WANDERING livestock can be a headache as any farm owner knows all too well.
It’s hard it is to keep the cattle confined within the farm boundaries.
Yes, you can use gates at the access points, but managing them can be inconvenient.
The solution is a cattle grid – a simple but ingenious mechanism to contain the animals without breaking a sweat.
It’s not a new contraption either. Its origins can be traced back to at least the 19th century and while the design has evolved over the years, the concept remains the same.
Like everything else, cattle grids are not a perfect solution.
So, here’s what you need to know so you can decide if they are your best choice to put those hooves under control.
As the name suggests, the purpose of a cattle grid – a.k.a. cattle guard – is to prevent the cattle from crossing the boundaries of your property.
That brings down the chances of your cattle wandering off to other properties or dangerous zones like roads.
Beyond farmlands, cattle grids are used in railways, mining, bridges, and other areas.
The need for safety is not just for cattle but also for motorists. If you look at the numbers, our humble cows are the reason behind quite a few road accidents.
A cattle grid consists of multiple parallel metal pipes with a fixed gap between them, laid over a large pit or hole in the ground.
You can also place them across a ditch running along the property.
The gap between the two pipes is not large enough to let the hooves of the animals slip through easily.
Humans and vehicles can pass over the grids without a problem.
What makes this design work is the fact that cattle have poor perception of distance and depth.
While they have panoramic vision, cattle eyes can’t focus quickly due to their weak eye muscles. Likewise, they have difficulty seeing through shadows.
So, the cattle hesitate before manoeuvring through the gaps between the members of the grid.
The round pipes make stepping across even more treacherous. Overall, the grid structure and the pit act as a mental deterrent for them.
Cattle grids are not a foolproof solution though. A large bull can make a 6-foot jump, but such instances are rare also if poorly installed, the cattle can squeeze through the sides of the grid.
Cattle Grids vs Farm Fences
While both options are used to restrict cattle movement, they function pretty differently.
Fences are great for confining the cattle, keeping away predators, and preventing theft. Plus, they also act as your property’s boundary line.
That said, permanent fencing is a significant investment that only bigger farms can afford.
Cattle grids are not placed along the farm boundary. They are used at specific points where the cattle can cross over.
What makes them unique is the effective use of animal behaviour patterns.
Unlike fences, cattle grids need minimum maintenance. All you need to do is inspect them once in a while to check if the metal components have come loose.
Also, make sure that the pit does not get filled up with debris or vegetation.
Besides, with the grid in place, you need not waste time on opening and closing gates or searching for lost cattle.
Cattle grids are not a substitute for farm fences. Fencing a large pasture is a must in many scenarios.
Cattle grids can be used as an addition at entry points to ensure complete protection for the livestock.
How Much Does a Cattle Grid Cost?
The cattle grid prices in Australia depend on the design and the dimensions.
Naturally, the larger the guard, the more you will have to pay. Likewise, a flat box design with a fully galvanised construction and a heavy-duty concrete bed will cost more than a design without a base.
The price of small metal cattle grids less than two metres long can be around $600-$800. Larger and heavier structures can cost as much as $5,000 or more.
On top of that, there will be installation costs. So, make sure to balance the cost and effectiveness of a cattle grid before making a purchase.In some cases, poor design can be an issue with cattle grids.
Before buying a pre-cast concrete cattle grid, check its material quality and weight-bearing capacity.
Corrosion is always an issue with metal. So, pick galvanised metal and paint the components to prevent rusting.
Also, it should meet the dimensional requirements and any other site-specific demands.
While cattle grids are safe, there have been some instances of cyclists being injured while crossing them.
Check the local road safety regulations and use an anti-slip coating on the grid if needed. On some roads, you may need to use signage for cattle grids.
