When it comes to controlling animal movement, keeping predators out, and ensuring that livestock remain contained, electric fencing is the popular choice of protection and confinement amongst farmers. Electric fencing also plays a vital role in strip grazing, which is important for both livestock and pasture health. At Chemvet Steel & Fencing, we proudly supply JVA and Stafix products, providing farmers with the tools needed for safe parameter demarcations.
Before looking at several advantages of electric fencing, it is important to understand how the height, spacing, and basic components affect the efficiency of the fence for livestock containment.
Importance of Height and Spacing with Electric Fencing
The height and space of the fence need to be properly designed according to the type of livestock that is being confined. What you need to take into consideration is whether the animal is a flight or fight risk as this determines the amounts of electrical strands along the fence line and the space between them. For example, 1 or 2 strands are ideal for dairy cows, whereas goats would need between 4 and 6 strands for the pens.
The Three Basic Components
Making sure that your electric fencing works for herd containment on farms boils down to three crucial components:
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Energiser
The choice of energiser is completely dependent on your farming requirements. Factors to consider are the length of the fence line, whether the fence will be in a dry or moist area, the species of animal that needs to be contained, and whether the electric fencing is temporary or permanent.
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Earth System
Is the ground moist or dry? Moist ground is a good conductor of electricity whereas dry ground isn’t. The placement of the wires and conductors to close the circuit to deliver a shock is determined by ground conditions.
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Fence Line
The length of the fence line will determine the size of the energiser. To get an idea of the distance that can be electrified under ideal conditions, manufacturers normally advise that one joule can energise one kilometre of fencing.
If one or more of these components do not function properly, the entire electrical fencing system will be faulty.
Keeping Livestock and Pastures Healthy
Portable electric fencing systems or existing fencing with offset wires can be effectively employed for controlled or strip grazing. Dividing pastures into multiple sections or camps using permanent electric fencing strands safely delineates areas for grazing and pasture growth. Providing livestock with access to clean, uncontaminated denser pastures equates to more grass with greater carrying capacity, and grass can be grazed when it’s short and most nutritious.
Securing the Boundary of the Farm
Keeping livestock contained and using temporary or permanent electric fencing for strip grazing is important but what about the rows of growing crops, farm implements, and dwellings? These assets are part of your farming business and need to be protected against predators and possible intruders as well. The benefit of JVA and Stafix products is that they can be incorporated into existing security systems and, at the touch of a button, can provide you with constant surveillance over your entire farm, thereby keeping your assets and loved ones safe.
Your Safety is Our Priority
We at Chemvet Steel & Fencing have a formidable footprint in Southern Africa. We have been the go-to specialists in steel and fencing products for over 40 years and will continue to be so. Contact our expert team to discuss your customised electric fencing requirements.
