Containing Livestock

FAQs

• What are the advantages of an electric fence over a conventional
  barrier fence?

• If I use barbed wire, can I electrify it?

• How do I use an electric fence to contain bulls?

• How does electric fence work with rotational grazing?

Answers to the FAQs

Q:   What are the advantages of an electric fence over a conventional
       barrier fence?

A: Electric fencing costs less, is easier to install, requires less maintenance, and can control livestock better than barbed wire or other types of fencing. In addition, livestock frequently are injured by barbed wire and will damage barbed or woven-wire fences by leaning on the fence.

Because livestock avoid contact with an electric fence, it will last longer than other types of fence. Barbed wire or woven-wire fences typically last 7 – 12 years, while permanent, high tensile fences can last more than 40 years.

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Q:   If I use barbed wire, can I electrify it?

A:  We do not recommend electrifying barbed wire. It is designed as a physical barrier, using barbs to deter animals. Because of the barbs, there is a greater chance the animal can become entangled in the wire. Electrified barbed wire could cause even more damage to the animal. For a selection of safer poly wire, poly rope and tape, refer to our poly wire and poly tape store pages.

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Q:   How do I use an electric fence to contain bulls?

A:  If normally kept segregated for breeding purposes, bulls or other aggressive livestock may become highly motivated to escape confinement, especially when nearby cows are in heat.

To contain bulls, maintain 3,000 – 4,000 volts on the fence line. Depending on vegetation and the length of the fence a low impedance fence charger is recommended. Five to six wires are best. For more aggressive animals, you want the electrified fence to deliver a more intense shock to discourage them from going near the fence again.

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Q:   How does electric fence work with rotational grazing?

A: Electric fencing is the perfect solution for containing animals on a short-term or temporary basis, as in rotational grazing. The lightweight mobility of portable electric fencing is ideal for frequently moving livestock to different sections of pasture.

Zareba® Systems has all the components needed to create a rotational grazing system including: step-in posts, poly wire and poly tape, reels and fence chargers.  AC powered energizers are recommended but because pastures usually aren’t located near an AC power source, using a low impedance battery-powered or solar-powered fence charger is a good option as well.

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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.