The Brand Inspection Division has a long history in Colorado beginning around 1865 in what was then the Colorado Territory.  Today, the division administers more than 37,000 livestock brands to identify ownership of cattle, horses, mules, burros, sheep, elk, and fallow deer.  Livestock inspection is crucial to verify ownership in cases of strayed or stolen livstock, and animal health programs are strengthened by the ability to trace animals to their herd of origin.