Article Index | "Fencing" | Article Index |
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FENCING
By: "Goat Handbook, United States, 1992" |
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1) There are many different types of fencing at a great variance in initial cost. The selection of a specific type for a certain size or sex of dairy goat, can be very important. 2) For large pasture areas in which the mature milking herd resides, the less expensive 48" high sheep and cattle fencing ++++MISSING DATA++++
3) Stock Panels
4) Picket Fence
5) Snow Fence
6) Welded Fence
7) Electric Fence 8) Although this fencing may work to confine the introduced dairy goats, protection against stray predators and dogs may be minimal. Fencing serves two purposes, first, to keep dairy goats where you want them and, second, to protect them from predators. 9) Four strands of electric fence, the second from the bottom preferable being a barbed wire, seems most effective. The bottom wire should be about six inches off the ground, just high enough to clear the power lawn mower under the fence. Tall grasses must be cut to prevent shortening-out of the electric fence. An average charge unit is usually best, but it must be well grounded in moist ground six to eight feet deep. Barbed wire can be used as goat fence if many strands not too far apart (6-10 inches) are used, very tightly strung on 6 feet high posts. However, if there is attractive pasture on the other side of the fence and the goats especially kids are hungry, then they will squeeze through, especially under the bottom wire.
10) Turkey Wire 11) The best fence from an animal behavior standpoint can be found e.g. at Laurelwood Acres in California. It consists of vertical pipes with horizontal and bottom pipes, posts and bottom edge in concrete. Certainly not cheap but very effective for dry-lot operations, long lasting, easy to maintain, and easy to run the herd back and forth to the milking parlor. In the absence of horizontal strands, goats have nothing to climb on. 12) When installing fencing, it is necessary to brace the corner posts either by wires to stays on the outside or by posts placed diagonally on the inside, or embedding the corner post in enough concrete to keep it from moving as the result of the tension of the wire.
13) Gates 14) Locking gates around goats, especially metal, can be a problem. They are intelligent and can figure out how to get out fast. The goats will push and work at a gate, trying to get out, if they can start the smallest of cracks. It is important that the gate be closed tightly and securely. Two successful locks are: a nylon snapline with a brass weather-resistant snap to fasten; the other is a nylon collar (goats will chew through leather collars) buckled tightly with the strap placed under the extra ring on the collar. By using these, the gate can be drawn tight preventing play that leads to caught heads. Kids especially, like to get their heads caught. The properly fastened gate is double-fastened with the top one as high as you can put it.
15) Portable Fence |
About the author: Extension Goat Handbook - This material was contributed from collections at the National Agricultural
Library. However, users should direct all inquires about the contents to
authors or originating agencies. A. J. Miller; Furlong, PA D. L. Ace; Pennsylvania State U., University Park |
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