Training cattle and sheep to an electric fence

Training livestock can save significant time and hassle when it  comes to actually putting them into fields or paddocks bounded by electric fencing.

Research from Finland indicates that dairy bull calves learned to avoid an electric fence quickly, even within an hour of release into the training area. The research showed that shocks were minimal after the second day and that calves continue to avoid the fence in the following grazing season after a housed winter period.

During this research, there was a power failure on day five, which led to increased shocks on day six. This suggests that the cattle continued to test the fence, so regular testing and maintenance are crucial.

Other research projects have shown there is minimal impact on cortisol or endorphin levels, heart rate or feeding behaviour, in cattle that receive shocks compared with those having no shocks or being restrained.

Top tip for electric fence training

Run a multistrand electric system around the inside of an existing permanent stock fence. It provides a safe and controlled area where stock can get used to it. We recommend a training period of three to five days.

To train cattle, erect a two-strand fence one metre inside the permanent stock fence in a small field. Avoid mixing animals before placing in the field to reduce risk of fighting, and ensure the voltage is >4,500 V.

Consider the direction/height of the sun. If it is low, allow the animals to enter the field with the sun behind them so they can see the fence ahead.

• Introduce animals into the field. Observe for the first hour and check regularly during the first 24 hours
• Once all animals have encountered the fence, run a single- or two-strand fence across one corner of the field. Observe for the first hour and check regularly for 12 hours
• Divide the field in half with a fence down the middle. Check the animals during the next 24 hours
• If the fence has been challenged by the stock, keep them in the field for another 24 hours until they stop doing this

To train sheep, set up a three-strand fence 50 cm inside the permanent stock fence in a small field. Ensure voltage is +4,000 V for shorn ewes or ewes with young lambs and +5,000 V for weaned lambs and ewes with fleeces.

The post-weaning period before tupping is normally the best time to introduce ewes to electric fencing. Lambs learn quickest if introduced while still with their trained mother at a couple of weeks of age. Do not attempt to train lambs directly after weaning. Leave at least seven to ten days before introducing them to electric fencing.

• Observe for the first hour and check regularly during the first 24 hours
• Once all the animals have encountered the fence, run a three-strand fence across one corner of the field. Observe for the first hour and check regularly during the next 12 hours
• Divide the field in half with a fence down the middle. Check over the next 24 hours
• If the fence has been challenged by the stock, keep them in the field for another 24 hours until they stop doing this
• Once the animals are seen to be respecting the fence, experiment with just two wires for ewes, to reduce materials and labour