Containing Livestock

Electric Fence for Beef Cattle

Electric fencing for beef cattle centers around two main features: the fence wire and the charger.  Certain factors must be considered for the wire and the charger.

FENCE WIRE FOR BEEF CATTLE

There are several options for fencing beef cattle. Depending on a variety of factors, the number of fence wires can vary from one to six, depending on:

• size of the cattle

• life expectancy of the fence

• whether you will work the cattle within the enclosure

• if you are concerned about keeping out predators

• whether you use rotational grazing

Note: If livestock get their heads between fence wires and receive a shock behind the eyes instead of in front of them, they tend to push into the fence rather than pull out. Proper wire spacing (a hot wire at the animal’s shoulder height) is important to safely contain your animals.

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FENCE CHARGERS FOR BEEF CATTLE

To safely contain most beef cattle, you need a fence charger that delivers a minimum of 2,000 – 3,000 volts on the fence line. Voltage levels are impacted by vegetation on the fence line, length of fence and type of wire.

Note: A minimum of 5,000 volts on the fence line is required to keep out predators.

We recommend you purchase a Zareba® fence charger capable of maintaining these voltage levels:

• Use a low impedance fence charger for heavy weed conditions, long fences, and fences using poly wire or poly tape

• A solid state fence charger is effective with light to moderate weed conditions, shorter fences, and fences using conventional metal wire

• Battery and solar powered fence chargers are ideal for remote installations where AC power is not available

Tip: A fence enclosing both cows and calves requires an electrified wire at the nose-level height of each.

A standard electric fence alone should not be used as a perimeter fence, however, a high tensile electric fence makes an excellent perimeter fence option.

Bulls require additional wires and higher voltage, as they can be aggressive. To learn more about fencing systems for bulls, refer to our Livestock FAQs.

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Zareba® has the electric fence part you need to contain your livestock and pets.  We have everything from electric fence kits to high tensile fence accessories.