Choosing fencing for cows can be challenging, but if you know what to look for, it makes the process much easier. Want to keep your cows safe and enclosed? Then, check out these facts about fencing cattle:

1. Cows need a visible fence

In order to respect the fence line, cows need to actually see it. Unfortunately, barbed wire often blends into its surroundings, but it can be woven into shapes that make it more visible. Slightly more expensive but also durable options like tubular fencing are easier for cows to see and remember. That fact makes tubular fencing ideal for pastures.  

2. Cows need a physical deterrent

In addition to being able to see the fence, cows need a physical deterrent. This fact is one of the reasons that barbed wire fencing is so popular around many pastures. If a cow leans on or tries to walk through barbed wire, it sensually notifies the cow of its presence by pricking the cow with its barbs.

Many ranchers emphasise this deterrent by electrifying their barbed wire fences. However, if you don't want your cows to feel pain, you can opt for a fence that cows can feel but can't easily push through. For example, when a cow walks up to a tubular fence, the fence doesn't hurt the cow but it restricts the cow's free passage.

3. Cows may itch themselves against certain types of fencing

If a cow has an itch, he or she may walk up to a barbed wire fence or a wooden fence pole and itch their skin against it. Although this provides relief to the cow, it can be very hard on the fence.

Over time, the leaning and pushing against the fence so that it can scratch itches can make the fence fall over or weaken. In contrast, if you have a smooth fence like a tubular fence, it doesn't work well as a back scratcher, and even if your cows did try to scratch themselves against it, the fence wouldn't move or buckle against the pressure.

4. Cows need gates

If a cow gets out of the pasture thanks to a broken or worn down bit of fencing, the cow won't typically pass through that area again. Instead, to get the cow back into the pasture, you need a gate.

You can make barbed wire gates simply and easily by wrapping a few strands of wire against a movable pole. However, these gates lack strength and don't look that great. Alternatively, you can add a tubular gate to your pasture. The tubular gate can be paired with tubular fencing or with barbed wire.

As you can see, barbed wire fencing will keep cows contained effectively most of the time, but if you want a fence that will contain your cows and need fewer repairs and adjustments, you may want to opt for tubular fencing. To learn more, contact a company like Adelaide Fence Centre with any questions you have.

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