the handmade iron or steel tool that applies the identifying mark to the beast. The end with the owner's brand is heated to red hot in a fire in the corral and then pressed against the side of the animal. Branding irons are read from top to bottom, left to right, and from outside in. Because some irons are similar, ear notches and throat wattles are also cut onto the cattle to aid in identification. Rights to use a certain brand or iron may be sold separately from ranch property. Branding irons came from Hispanic Mexico, where they developed before 1600. Also referred to as an iron. Each iron is the creation of an individual blacksmith-buckaroo.