Electric Fence for Dairy Cattle
Dairy cattle are among the easiest animals to contain with electric fence
because they are relatively docile and are used to daily human contact.
There are several options for fencing dairy cattle. Depending on a variety of
factors, the number of fence wires can vary from one to six, depending on:
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size of the cows
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life expectancy of the fence
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whether you will keep calves with the cows
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if you are concerned about keeping out predators
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whether you use rotational grazing.
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To safely contain most dairy cattle, you need a fence controller that maintains
a minimum of 2,000 volts on the fence line. Voltage levels are impacted by
vegetation on the fence line, length of fence and type of wire. Note: A minimum
of 5,000 volts on the fence line is required to keep out predators.
We recommend you purchase a Zareba fence controller capable of maintaining
these voltage levels.
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Use a low impedance fence controller for heavy weed conditions, long fences,
and fences using poly wire or poly tape.
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A solid state fence controller is effective with light to moderate weed
conditions, shorter fences, and fences using conventional metal wire.
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Battery and solar powered fencers are ideal for remote installations where AC
power is not available.
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Dairy Fencing Tips:
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A fence enclosing both cows and calves requires an electrified wire at the
nose-level height of each.
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Dairy bulls require additional wires and higher voltage, as they can be
aggressive. To learn more about fencing systems for bulls, refer to our
livestock FAQs.
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Calves and heifers will require lower wires and closer wire spacing than cows.
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For temporary fencing within a perimeter fence or
rotational grazing, a single electrified wire can be effective.
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Dairy barn control
In stanchion-style dairy barns the cow
trainer fence controller can help keep cows clean by forcing them to
defecate in the gutter, not in their stall. The cow trainer fence controller
powers the t-bar which hangs over the cows back, preventing them from hunching
their back.
Dairy cattle fencing options
Recommended wire spacings for some typical dairy cattle installations.
   
Use the Fence Builder™ fence planning tool
for assistance in planning your fence.
Frequently asked questions about
livestock fencing.
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