K atie Thorley, AHDB Beef & Lamb Knowledge Transfer Senior Manager, says:“ Fencing is a crucial part of systems that include rotational grazing and where the ability to change areas used by stock easily is important. Electric fencing is flexible, can be costeffective and is worth considering as an alternative to conventional fencing.” All-grass wintering of ewes and group grazing of sheep are both examples of systems that rely heavily on electric fencing. Wellmaintained electric fencing can be durable as stock have very little, if any, contact with the fence. Planning is essential when using electric fencing, according to Katie.“ Points to consider include the type of fence required, length of area to be fenced, corners and change in direction, requirement for gateways and means of powering the fence,” she says.
|
There are three main types of electric fencing; permanent electric, off conventional and temporary electric. It is important to consider what you require from a fence when choosing the best option to suit your needs. Permanent is a long-term option and should be trouble free once erected. To prevent stock rubbing or pushing against original fencing, the use of‘ off conventional’ fencing, which consists of an electric fence wire placed at a small distance from an existing timber or wire mesh fence, is a good solution. For a lightweight option that can be transported easily, temporary electric fencing is ideal, enabling large fields to be broken up for‘ strip’ or‘ paddock’ grazing. With the use of specially adapted quad bikes, the movement and erection of these fences can be very quick.
Katie says electric fencing requires a different way of thinking.“ With conventional fencing, its security is in direct proportion to
|
the physical strength of the posts and wire as the animals are able to challenge them directly by rubbing or scratching,” she says.
“ With electric fencing, the security is in proportion to the voltage and consistency of wire height, as once the animals are trained, they will not challenge the fence providing these are both adequate.”
To save time and hassle when putting sheep into fields or paddocks bound by electric fencing, it is a good idea to train your sheep.
Set up a three-strand fence 50cm inside the permanent stock fence. Ensure voltage is + 4,000V for shorn ewes or ewes with young lambs and + 5,000V for weaned lambs and ewes with fleeces
Observe the stock for the first hour and then regularly over the following 24 hours. Once all the animals have encountered the fence, run a three-strand fence across one corner of the field and once again observe stock for the
|
first hour and then regularly over the following 24 hours
Then divide the field in half with a fence down the middle and check it over the next 24 hours. If the fence has been challenged by the stock, keep them in the field for another 24 hours or until they stop
Once the animals respect the fence, experiment with just two wires for ewes to reduce materials and costs.
“ The post-weaning period prior to tupping is the best time to introduce ewes to electric fencing,” Katie says.
“ Do not attempt to train lambs directly after weaning, instead leave at least seven to ten days before introducing them to electric fencing. Lambs learn quickest when introduced while still with their trained mother.”
For more information on the use of electric fencing please see the AHDB Beef & Lamb BRP manual‘ Electric fencing for livestock’ at beefandlamb. ahdb. org. uk / returns
|