(a) The commissioner, with the approval of the board, shall have authority to promulgate such rules and regulations as are reasonably necessary to carry out the evident intent and purposes of this article and which will facilitate the tracing and identification of lost, stolen or estrayed livestock and afford protection against the theft and unlawful dealing, handling or movement of livestock, including a system for brand registrations, transfer of brands, reregistrations and standards or requirements for brands acceptable for registration, which regulations will effectuate the purposes of this article. Such rules and regulations promulgated by the commissioner shall include information on the tracing and identification of lost, stolen or estrayed swine to be identified by brands, tattoos or other means.
(b) The commissioner, with the approval of the board, pursuant to rules and regulations, shall be authorized to designate positions on which livestock may be branded, not to exceed eight such positions.