Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Types Of Effective Cattle Fencing Options

By Janet Murray


The main purpose of a fence is to protect the livestock from wild animals and small pests. It also keeps them away from human and car traffic while keeping them away from crops. The fence controls their movement and keeps them in their pasture area. Cattle fencing is most effective when it can withstand the strength of the animals pushing and rub against it.

When planning a fence it's useful to remember key principles that will ensure the fence does not fall on the livestock. It is also important to note that in an area of increased traffic speed, the fence tends to act as a shield from skidding motorists and motorcyclists. There are many types of effective agricultural fences in the market today.

Barbed wire fencing is considered to be the most effective when it comes to permanent fencing for livestock. It is also very economical. You can choose to have from two to five strands on the fence to keep the animals away. One of the disadvantages of this fence is its high maintenance costs. The animals tend to exert pressure on the fence loosening the wires. It, therefore, requires frequent tightening to keep it in shape. Most farmers still prefer it and it has been in use for over a hundred years.

High tensile wire fencing has been taking over from the barbed wire. It is relatively cheaper than the barbed wire and requires less maintenance. The installation costs are also lower. The main advantage of the tensile wire fencing is that they can be electrified to increase their effectiveness.

In an area that is rocky or that has hard soil, erecting posts for a fence may prove to be difficult. A good option is the use of Russell fences. This fence type does not require posts to be put up. It is very easy to set up even on hills and valleys. All you need is an abundant supply of wood, labor and a lot of time.

When you need to contain cattle temporarily, you will need to set up a temporary fence. The fence keeps the cattle in an area like in the case of rotational grazing. The animals can be kept in a paddock and left to finish the pasture in that area. Once they are done they are moved to another fenced area with greener pastures.

The best solution for rotational grazing fencing is the use of temporary electric fences. They are cheap, affordable and very easy to install. After some training, cattle get to learn to keep away from the fence. One electric strand on the fence is enough to make them stay away. Calves, however, may need more strands before they learn to stay away.

Another fencing method is the use of visual barriers. This is not very common as it is still relatively new. It involves the use of alternating light and dark barriers. Cattle are reluctant to cross such a barrier. The barrier is placed in areas such as stream banks to hinder the livestock movement to the stream.




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