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Livestock Fencing Systems for Pasture Management

Fences can significantly increase livestock grazing efficiency. The first step in planning livestock fencing is determining the purpose and goals of the fencing program, as stated by experts from Mississippi State University.

Proper fencing layout is a powerful management tool in efficient grazing systems. Livestock protection and confinement are not the only reasons to consider fencing. An effective rotational or intensively managed grazing system can be a cost-effective way to provide forage to grazing livestock and diminish herd nutrition costs throughout the year. Fencing requirements may differ based on the grazing management system, livestock species, and their ages or classes.

Assess the operation size, number of animals, type of forage system, and necessary paddocks before purchasing fencing materials and supplies. Various effective fencing options are available to livestock producers. Whether serving as permanent or temporary barriers, fences should be meticulously planned and constructed to ensure efficient usage, longevity, and minimal maintenance.

Farm Resources

Permanent Resources

Figure 1. Farm resources to consider when planning a fencing layout.

Before setting the layout of a fencing system, assess the resources present (Fig. 1). Use this information to craft a fencing design that maximizes forage efficiency and allows for appropriate rest periods for plant growth and recovery. Permanent resources such as soil type, slope, and aspect impact fencing layout plans. Similar soil type and slope in pastures provide uniform forage production and grazing distribution.

Semipermanent Resources

Semipermanent resources encompass water and shade, crucial for livestock productivity but can be adapted to fit the fencing layout.

Water ' It’s important that the fencing layout allows livestock easy access to clean water supplies. A continuous supply of clean water is vital for all livestock, serving as a critical nutrient for various bodily functions in cattle. Adequate water intake is essential in rotational grazing systems, and both water quality and accessibility play significant roles in maintaining this intake. Refer to the Mississippi State University Extension Service Publication, Beef Cattle Water Requirements and Source Management, for in-depth details regarding livestock water needs.

When feasible, provide clean water in each paddock, within a reasonable walking distance. If that’s not possible, incorporate a central water supply accessible and within 900 feet of each paddock in your fencing system. A central water source may often lead to muddy conditions where livestock gather. Consider utilizing pipes and portable containers to develop mobile water systems, in turn, circumventing mud. Ensure any fencing design remains flexible in terms of water placement within paddocks to manage animal distribution and reduce trampling around the water source. If only a singular water source is used in a paddock, ensure it has the capacity to fulfill peak demand water volume. Whenever feasible, fence off surface water sources like ponds and creeks to prevent livestock access.

Shade ' When constructing fences, shade becomes a significant factor. While shade does not lower air temperature, it does minimize animal exposure to solar radiant energy. Sufficient shade can decrease respiration rates and body temperatures in livestock during peak heat periods and can influence cattle grazing habits. Research indicates that cattle with access to shade can see a 3 percent improvement in feed efficiency alongside a 6 percent increase in weight gain during hotter days.

Three types of shade include natural, permanent, and portable.

• Natural shade is often overlooked in more forested areas. It’s essential to take precautions where only a few trees exist, as crowding livestock can damage trees and reduce available shade areas in pastures. Establishing natural shade mandates careful, long-term planning, including safeguarding trees from livestock damage, particularly during their formative years.

• Permanent shade can involve structures such as barns. Although they can be more expensive, they lack flexibility and can become muddy during rainy periods, potentially housing disease-causing organisms affecting livestock health. For both natural and permanent shade structures, consider how shade locations shift as the sun moves throughout the day. Natural or permanent shades along east or west fence lines may provide coverage during only morning or afternoon hours.

• Portable shade structures crafted from durable galvanized pipe frames can withstand livestock activity. Such shades can be moved alongside cattle or relocated across paddocks to avoid the buildup of mud and manure. Depending on the livestock variety, portable shades should range from 7 to 14 feet in height; for instance, beef cattle require shades of at least 10 feet. Active air circulation should be maintained by using shade cloth, while larger calves and stockers require about 18 to 25 square feet per head. Providing at least 80 percent of the required square footage is optimal.

Variable Resources

Variable resources significantly influence fencing decisions. A mix of cool- and warm-season grasses paired with suitable legumes can provide ample forage throughout the grazing season.

Temporary fences can aid in subdividing pastures based on grazing methodologies like creep grazing or leader-follower grazing, and allocate land earmarked for hay production. These temporary barriers are often more cost-effective for smaller paddocks.

The position of water, shade, and handling facilities heavily influences fence layout. Effective lane systems and gate placements facilitate the movement of livestock to handling facilities and rotations to different pastures. Ensure gate and passageway placements for livestock and equipment are situated in corners of each field nearest the water source. Livestock should move through gates into lane systems more effectively than running along the fence line when the leading animal moves through the gate. While designing fence layouts, keep legal rights and responsibilities in view to avoid possible disputes with neighboring landowners. Always remember, good fences create good neighbors.

Types of Fencing

There are two main fencing systems: fixed and portable (flexible). Each system presents its own set of advantages and disadvantages (Table 1). Both systems generally consist of permanent boundary fencing made from woven or barbed wire or electrified high-tensile smooth wire to guarantee that livestock remain on the premises and are excluded from private properties and roadways.

Fence Placement and Layout

Correct fencing is often a significant investment. Consequently, carefully plan fencing layouts to save both time and resources. One notable advantage of a well-structured fencing system is improved grazing efficiency. In continuous grazing scenarios, livestock often consume the most palatable plants first, neglecting mature specimens until later. This forage selectivity by livestock can lead to concentrated and unevenly distributed manure deposits across the pasture. Figure 2. Subdivision of an 80 acres pasture into eight paddocks using a mixture of permanent and temporary fences. Source: Gay et al., Virginia Cooperative Extension Service P442-130.

A key management consideration in developing grazing systems involves selecting and installing the right fencing system. Focus on robust perimeter fences, as well as any that border roads or areas from which livestock need exclusion, such as cropland. An effective fencing setup for rotational stocking would combine permanent and temporary fences (Fig. 2). This blend ensures both perimeter security and the flexibility to adjust paddock size in line with livestock's daily nutritional demands and forage availability.

The optimal count for fenced paddocks depends on forage species, productivity, performance targets, grazing pressure, plant recovery rates, economic capabilities, and livestock traits like herd size, animal weights, and production levels. Paddocks must be sized to deliver consistent grazing durations. A rotation cycle lasting 30 to 50 days is common and necessitates around 10 paddocks if cattle are repositioned at least weekly. In spring, when forages flourish rapidly, it may necessitate a swift rotation of about 20 days to maintain plants in a vegetative stage. This cycling means larger paddock areas are grazed for shorter timeframes with brief intervals in between grazing sessions. A scenario of four paddocks adhering to a 20-day rotation translates to animal movements every five days. Conversely, a rotation lasting 45 days—applicable during slow winter growth or drought periods—results in longer intervals between grazing, limited forage diets, and extended durations spent within each paddock. It may be essential to segment the ranch into as many as 20 paddocks. With this configuration, gates may be opened or livestock moved more frequently during rapid rotations, temporary electric fencing could further subdivide paddocks during slow rotations, or paddocks could be removed from the cycles to generate hay.

For accurate paddock layouts and estimates regarding fencing necessities, consult aerial imagery accessed through the National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) or Farm Service Agency (FSA). Conducting a soil survey can also assist in dividing paddocks by comparable production capabilities. Ideally, design for straight fencing for better cost-effectiveness, ease of layout, and construction.

Fenced pasture shape influences the fencing length required to enclose the area. Paddocks should strive for a nearly square arrangement, reducing soil variability and adhering to landscape alterations. While a perfect square isn’t always feasible due to access to water and shade, livestock handling facilities, and natural land contours, square paddocks typically require the least amount of fencing and lessen the distance to water sources. Rectangular paddocks should not exceed four times their width. Circular fencing designs with central water sources may generate muddy areas where livestock congregate. Furthermore, adhering to land contours becomes more complicated with circular designs. Paddocks may be subdivided using temporary fences to alter grazing times and accommodate seasonal variations in forage availability.

Calculate fencing lengths needed for various layouts. This exercise helps identify the most economical design and estimate necessary supplies. Further information on determining paddock counts and temporary fence requirements can be found in the Pasture Management and Grazing Guide for Livestock Producers (published by the Mississippi State University Extension Service).

Table 1. Comparison of livestock fencing systems.

Fencing Systems Advantages Disadvantages Fixed Minimum daily labor High cost per acre for small installations Low maintenance Limited management flexibility Low cost per acre for large installations   Flexible High management flexibility Increased labor requirements Lower cost per acre for small installations Higher maintenance needs

Types of Wire

Permanent livestock fencing primarily employs three wire types: barbed wire, woven wire, and high-tensile wire.

• Barbed wire fences consist of strands of horizontal wires twisted with barbs arranged every 4 to 5 inches.

• Woven wire fences feature smooth horizontal and vertical wires constructed from mild steel. Although many producers favor them, they can be more costly and potentially less effective than high-tensile electric fences.

• High-tensile wire serves in both electric and nonelectric fencing. This type is lighter than mild steel yet possesses a higher elastic capacity. When evaluated against mild steel, high-tensile wire demonstrates roughly 2.5 times the strength at a comparable price. For instance, a corner post or H brace that shifts ½ inch causes a barbed wire to lose over 20 percent of its original strain, whereas a high-tensile wire only loses around 10 percent.

High-tensile fences can function as electric or nonelectric. The nonelectric variant is favorable as it can endure livestock contact and low temperatures without compromising elasticity. The wire used in this fencing typically ranges from 11 to 14 gauge, achieving tensile strengths between 170,000 to 200,000 pounds per square inch and breaking strengths of 1,800 pounds.

High-tensile electric fences merge the attributes of high-tensile materials with an electrical component, designed to deliver a shock to any animal making contact with the wire. A potential drawback of electric fences is that livestock must receive training to avoid the electric wire. With efficient electric fencing, this training can be accomplished in just a few days. Regarding animal sizes, 12 ½ gauge high-tensile electric wires (exhibiting strengths of 180,000 to 20,000 psi) with a galvanized coating Class 3 are typically used for permanent scenarios. Each high-tensile wire should possess an inline tension adjuster for every ½ mile of a straight run to maintain adequate tension. Typically, two “hot” wires are needed to restrain livestock within lanes and paddocks, but the specific wire count and spacing will depend on the type of livestock being contained (Table 2). In problematic areas, such as locations with shallow, rocky soil, a two-wire fence (one charged, one grounded) may enhance livestock control. When the fixed area is more expansive than required to sustain livestock for designated days, consider subdividing it with portable fences, which can be repositioned as needed to maintain grazing efficiency. Installing fixed fences at either end facilitates the necessary electrical charge for the mobile fencing.

Table 2. Electric fencing wire spacing for effective cattle containment.

Livestock Number of wires Wiring spacing above ground (inches) Cows 11 26 - 32 Cows and calves 2 18 & 24 / 24 & 36 Hard-to-hold cattle 3 11 & 18 / 23 & 30/ 34 & 44 1 A 1-wire fence is commonly situated at 2/3 the shoulder height of a mature cow.
2 Wire could be grounded under extreme dry conditions or in soils with low conductivity (like sandy or gravelly soils), permitting animals to contact both a hot and ground wire.
Source: Pfost, Missouri Cooperative Extension Service Publication EQ279.

Post Placement

Correct post placement is paramount in ensuring the fence's stability. Begin by placing the posts at an appropriate depth based on their diameter and soil type. Generally, in medium to heavy clay conditions, posts need to be set to a depth equivalent to ten times their diameter, whereas in sandy soils, it should be fifteen times the diameter. These depths are necessary to prevent uprooting of posts. If digging deep holes isn't feasible or posts are too short, a “foot” can be utilized to anchor the post—this involves attaching a one-foot piece of 4x4 timber to the base of the post to form a “T” structure, providing better grounding for the post. A “foot” may also come in handy for dips or angles exceeding 10 degrees in the fence line. Post spacing will fluctuate based on the fence type (e.g., electric vs. traditional) and land contours. In flat terrains with 2- or 3-wire electric setups, posts may be placed roughly 10 feet apart as long as T-posts or hardwood posts are positioned every 40 to 50 feet. In areas with dips and angles, place posts at the high and low points to ensure the fence outlines the land accordingly.

Electric Fencing

Electric fencing is one of the most rapid and economical solutions for livestock containment. Such fencing offers cost efficiency, simple installation, and requires fewer posts than barbed wire fencing. Electric fencing can be implemented using polywire, polytape, or high-tensile wire. Employ at least three strands of electric wire for perimeter setups and two strands for cross fences. Reliable corner and gate posts are crucial as high-tensile fencing applies additional pressure on these posts, hence fortifying H braces is vital.

Wire

Numerous wire types can serve for portable electric fencing. Polywire and polytape are among the most frequently utilized materials for portable installations, easily maintained with a reel and step-in plastic posts. Generally made from polyethylene and stainless steel, options are available comprising of fiberglass and aluminum or thin copper conductors. Poly fencing requires no tools for setup, minimal bracing, and lightweight line posts. However, one limitation of poly fencing is how internal resistance of the filaments used as conductors can restrict the distance over which they can be effectively powered.

Polywire resembles heavy cord or plastic polyethylene baler twine interlaced with several strands of stainless steel wire (three, six, or nine). Six or nine-strand polywire typically suffice for longer lengths without substantial voltage drop. Six-strand wire effectively conveys charges for stretches up to ½ mile, with common distances reaching 2,000 feet. Eight or nine-strand wire can carry charges for areas of ¾ to 1 mile, spanning up to 10 years with proper usage.

Polytape offers similar variants to polywire, and should be selected based on filament count and weave quality. Quality tapes typically feature a minimum of six wire filaments, proving more visible than polywire, resulting in it fluttering in the wind for better visibility to animals. The lifespan of polytape generally spans around 5 to 7 years, suffered damage from wind friction against post clips and insulators.

Reels

Reels are fundamental for dispensing and retrieving portable poly fences. Choose one with a solid locking mechanism, adequate holding capacity, rapid gearing, and solid manufacturer guarantees. A cog-and-lock lever system stands as an optimal locking choice to prevent fence loosening. Reels have varying capacities ranging from 300 to 1,320 feet. Polywire can accommodate lengths from 660 to over 2,640 feet. If frequent relocations are necessary, a geared reel offers additional assistance. Most reels operate under a 1:1 retrieval ratio; however, a geared reel can retrieve tape or polywire at a 3:1 ratio. Though they're typically pricier, the time saved supports such an investment.

Although most reels boast durability, they’re generally plastic, making a solid warranty crucial. Warranty durations typically fall between zero to five years for components crafted from plastic. Speak with dealers or manufacturers regarding warranty specifics and stipulations.

Posts

Common wood and steel posts are utilized with insulators for permanent electric fencing. Generally, plastic and fiberglass support posts feature diverse diameter sizes, including 3/8", 1/2", 5/8" and larger, and can function without insulators. Extreme drought or freezing conditions can compact the ground, limiting post efficiency. Specific imported types, such as well-cured osage orange, red cedar, and black locust posts, may operate without insulators if soil moisture levels remain adequately high. Various step-in post models are available; it’s advisable to select one with a large enough step so that a person's foot can maneuver easily, facilitating simple insertion into the soil. Posts should demonstrate sufficient rigidity to withstand winds while remaining flexible under intense pressure. Ensure posts have appropriate spike diameter. For high-tensile constructions, select corner wood posts that are 8 feet tall, measuring 5 to 6 inches in diameter, and equipped with proper H-bracing.

Insulators

Using high-grade insulators at corners and ends of permanent electric fencing is critical. UV-stabilized, high-density polyethylene or polypropylene insulators are highly recommended for installation on wood or steel posts. High-quality porcelain insulators can function adequately but are generally less reliable since cracking under tension can occur, which allows moisture, potentially leading to electric shorts. Ensure double-hole insulators load wires under compression; improper loading may cause splitting.

Energizers

Choosing an efficient energizer or charger for electric fencing is crucial. In instances where electricity isn’t accessible, utilize battery or solar energizers. Selecting a low-impedance, high-voltage charger is vital. A range of excellent units are available on the market, offering solar, battery, or conventional household connections. Ensure the energizer can relay sufficient electric shock under adverse conditions such as dry grounds or excessive vegetation nearby. Vegetation and poor insulators can absorb electricity from an electric fence. A robust grounding mechanism in the electric fencing system is mandatory, thus installing at least three 6-foot ground rods spaced 10 feet apart is advisable.

Alternating hot and ground wires across the fence structure may prove effective in keeping cattle confined. Initiate with the top wire electrified.

Some energizers offer ratings in miles of fencing or acreage. As the fencing length increases, the energizer's power must scale accordingly to send a viable charge along its length. Preference should be accorded to chargers with clear operational indicators, input voltage details, high/low switches or separate terminals for dry or standard conditions, in addition to lights signaling fence charge status. Battery-operated versions should also feature half-power options. Always select chargers accredited by Underwriters Laboratories or the U.S. Bureau of Standards, and avoid homemade chargers. Most commercial chargers operate on 6 or 12-volt AC batteries or utilize solar panels or power lines supplying 120 or 240-volt AC. Conventional chargers generally deliver effective shocks under optimal conditions. It’s best to position main chargers in dry locations easily reachable for inspections, yet shielded from animal access, as well as young children. When opting for a solar panel, ensure it provides no less than ten watts for every joule of output and is positioned to receive maximum sunlight.

It’s essential to choose chargers whose output specifications align with the fencing size intended to be energized. Each type should accommodate the anticipated operational conditions, including air and soil moisture levels, vegetation contact, wire gauge, overall wire length, and length of animal hair or wool. Guard voltage present at any contact point on the fence should range between 2,000 to 4,000 volts. Typically, 2,000 volts suffices for cattle under average conditions, while 4,000 volts should be utilized for fencings designed for extremely dry conditions or in settings involving well-insulated animals like sheep. Confirm the ground line voltage using a voltmeter to ensure lawful charge transmission. To cater to expansion possibilities, it’s prudent to procure a charger with potential extra capacity. Alternatively, an option entails acquiring multiple chargers to divide the fencing into defined zones, although never connect two chargers to a single perimeter.

Grounding

The energizer size, grounding materials, soil type, and ground moisture significantly contribute to the effectiveness of a grounding system. Insufficient grounding is one of the common failings observed in adequately constructed, insulated, and electrified fencing solutions. Weak shocks result from such poor grounding conditions. In electric fencing systems, electricity must return to the charger’s source via the ground. Installing several ground rods—at least three 6 or 8 feet in length—and securing them with quality ground clamps is important.

Employing consistent metals throughout the system is critical. Each metal has distinct electricity conductivity and different rates of expansion or contraction in reaction to power surges and temperature changes. When linking a steel wire with copper, corrosion may result, degrading connectivity and diminishing shock efficacy. This corrosion reduces available electricity flow through the system and can cause the electricity to seek alternates routes back to the energizer, creating risks of stray voltage.

Gates

Gates can be purchased commercially or custom-made. Numerous manufacturers provide plans for gates, entrances, and cattle guards. Electrical charges at gates can be transferred through underground or overhead wiring, provided it is high enough to clear livestock and equipment. Should wires trench underground, encasing them within plastic piping reduces the chances of developing a short circuit. Gate positioning holds significance under rotational grazing scenarios, as livestock will be migrated frequently, although it remains critical across all grazing setups to allow animals to reach handling facilities for health checks or other management actions when needed. Ideally, the gate should be situated in a corner of each paddock for convenient livestock movement to the adjoining alleyway.

Different tasks can be achieved with all available livestock fencing technologies. Electric fencing expedites subdivisions at a low cost. However, the efficacy of these types of barriers hinges upon proper construction and the ability to transmit charge effectively. The success of electric fencing also correlates with the cattle involved; well-behaved livestock accustomed to regular handling will respect a single “hot” wire as much as any barbed wire perimeter. Livestock, especially calves, can be quickly taught to heed electric fences using temporary wires within the pasture. After experiencing the shock a few times, they are likely to exhibit greater caution around electric barriers.

Summary

Beyond preventing livestock from straying into neighboring pastures or onto major thoroughfares, fencing is an essential component of effective grazing management. It regulates livestock movement while enhancing the productivity, quality, and utility of forage crops. Cost-effective semi-permanent and temporary electric fencing systems simplify the task of managing and optimizing pasture resources like never before. Thoughtfully crafted systems for fencing, water, and shade can greatly influence animal wellness and output, as well as labor productivity. Such systems must be functional upon livestock arrival and should be consistently monitored and maintained year-round.

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