Notwithstanding any other provision of this division, cattle may be branded pursuant to this chapter.
Chapter 5Cattle Record Brands
Section § 20901
This law allows cattle to be branded according to the rules set out in this chapter, even if there are other conflicting regulations in the division.
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Section § 20902
A cattle record brand is used to identify animals but doesn't prove who owns them.
A cattle record brand shall be used only for purposes of identification. It is not evidence of ownership.
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Section § 20903
In California, you cannot officially register a cattle record brand. This means that cattle record brands are not acknowledged or documented in an official capacity by the state.
A cattle record brand shall not be recorded.
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Section § 20904
This law allows cattle owners to put a brand on the loin of a cow, specifically the area between the hip and the ribs.
A cattle record brand may be placed upon either loin in front of the hip and behind the ribs of the animal.
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Section § 20905
If you're marking dairy cattle, specifically of certain breeds like Holstein or Jersey, you can put the brand on the right hip instead of the loin.
A cattle record brand for dairy cattle of the Holstein, Jersey, Guernsey, Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Dutch Belted, and Milking Shorthorn breeds may be placed upon the right hip rather than upon the loin.
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Section § 20906
This law section defines what makes a valid cattle record brand in California. Specifically, it states that a brand can be formed by consecutive numbers, letters, or a mix of both when placed on the animal's loin. Alternatively, if the brand is on the animal's right hip, it should consist of at least three consecutive numbers that form a number greater than 200.
A cattle record brand consists of:
(a)CA Food and Agriculture Code § 20906(a) Consecutive numerals, letters, or a combination of numerals or letters if placed upon the loin of an animal.
(b)CA Food and Agriculture Code § 20906(b) At least three consecutive numerals that constitute a number greater than 200 if placed upon the right hip of an animal.
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