Electric Fencing 101: Best Practices for Different Livestock
When it comes to electric fencing, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Different animals have different needs when it comes to fence height, voltage, and spacing. If you’re fencing in cattle, you might be able to get away with fewer strands of wire and lower voltage. But if you’re dealing with goats, you’ll need a bit more power and a tighter setup to keep those escape artists in check. This guide will break down the best practices for electric fencing based on the type of livestock you’re managing, ensuring both your animals and your fence stay safe.
Voltage and Strands for Common Animals
1. Horses
- Recommended Voltage: 2,000 – 3,000 volts
- Number of Strands: 2-3 strands
- Recommended Fence Height: 4.5 to 5 feet
- Best Material: Poly tape is ideal because horses respond better to highly visible fencing and are less likely to challenge it.
Why It Works: Horses are flight animals, meaning they respond to visual cues rather than a physical barrier. Poly tape offers the visibility they need, reducing the likelihood of accidents. The shock level needed is moderate since horses are generally respectful of fencing.
2. Cattle
- Recommended Voltage: 2,000 – 3,000 volts
- Number of Strands: 2-3 strands
- Recommended Fence Height: 4 to 5 feet
- Best Material: Poly tape or wire, depending on whether you need a temporary or permanent fence.
Why It Works: Cattle are large but usually respect electric fencing if trained to it early. For larger pastures or permanent enclosures, wire offers durability, while poly tape works well for temporary or rotational grazing setups.
3. Goats
- Recommended Voltage: 4,000 – 5,000 volts
- Number of Strands: 4-5 strands, spaced closely together
- Recommended Fence Height: 3.5 to 4.5 feet
- Best Material: Poly braid or wire.
Why It Works: Goats are notorious escape artists who can squeeze through or climb over many fencing setups. You’ll need closely spaced strands and high voltage to keep them in check. The strength and durability of poly braid or wire make it harder for them to push through or break down over time.
4. Sheep
- Recommended Voltage: 4,000 – 5,000 volts
- Number of Strands: 4-5 strands
- Recommended Fence Height: 3 to 4 feet
- Best Material: Poly braid or wire.
Why It Works: Similar to goats, sheep can be difficult to contain, especially with thick wool that insulates them from shocks. A higher voltage is required, and closely spaced strands help prevent them from pushing through.
5. Pigs
- Recommended Voltage: 3,000 – 4,000 volts
- Number of Strands: 2-3 strands
- Recommended Fence Height: 3 feet
- Best Material: Wire or poly rope.
Why It Works: Pigs are known for rooting around under fences, so you’ll want at least one strand positioned close to the ground. Wire offers a strong, durable option for permanent setups, while poly rope can be easier to install for temporary enclosures.
Fence Layout and Spacing
Here’s a simple breakdown of the fence heights and strand spacing for each type of livestock:
Animal | Voltage | Number of Strands | Fence Height | Strand Spacing |
---|---|---|---|---|
Horses | 2,000 – 3,000 V | 2-3 | 4.5 – 5 feet | Bottom strand at 20", others evenly spaced |
Cattle | 2,000 – 3,000 V | 2-3 | 4 – 5 feet | Bottom strand at 18", top strand at 36" |
Goats | 4,000 – 5,000 V | 4-5 | 3.5 – 4.5 feet | Strands spaced every 8-12 inches |
Sheep | 4,000 – 5,000 V | 4-5 | 3 – 4 feet | Strands spaced every 8-12 inches |
Pigs | 3,000 – 4,000 V | 2-3 | 3 feet | Bottom strand at 6-8", others evenly spaced |
Choosing the Right Energizer
Once you know the number of strands and the total distance of your fencing, you’ll need an energizer powerful enough to keep the voltage consistent. Always select an energizer that matches the voltage needs of your animals and the length of your fence. For example, fencing for sheep and goats, which requires higher voltage and multiple strands, needs a higher-output energizer than fencing for horses or cattle.
When it comes to electric fencing, it’s important to tailor your setup to the specific needs of your livestock. Horses need visibility, cattle need strength, and goats need, well, a lot of voltage and closely spaced wires. By understanding the right voltage, strand spacing, and materials, you’ll ensure your animals stay safe and secure.
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