The Ultimate Buyer's Guide for Purchasing Cattle Fence Panel

Any animal requires a safe environment to live in. Whether you have one cow or an entire herd of cattle, good cattle panels keep them out of trouble. As an animal owner, you want to protect your investment. But before investing in cattle panels fencing system, check out these 9 essential elements to make the most informed decision.

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1. Cattle Panels Material

The first thing to consider when buying cattle panel fencing is the material. Animals get to "know" a cattle panel through sight and "pain memory." If it's a powerfully built cattle panel, they will avoid it. That's why strong, tall, visible cattle panels are essential for receiving corrals and feedlots. Animals will challenge a cattle panel if they're temperamental or spooked, and newly-weaned calves that try to get back to their mothers might test a cattle panel, too. Therefore, the key to a good cattle panel is to build it properly out of sturdy material.

In the past, wood was the go-to material for building cattle panel fencing, often sourced directly from the farm itself. The heartwood of aged, hardwood trees could last up to 100 years with minimal maintenance. However, this is not an option today as such wood is generally unavailable. Modern commercially available wood requires frequent upkeep and doesn't have the same longevity.

In humid climates, a well-maintained wooden fence can last about 20 years, provided it is regularly painted or stained. Pressure-treated lumber lasts roughly seven years without painting but comes at a higher cost. As a result, wood is less commonly used today for large pasture fencing; farmers now prefer alternative materials like steel.

2. Steel Cattle Panels

The optimal material for cattle panels today is steel. Traditionally an alloy of iron and carbon, steel stands as one of the most commonly used metals globally. It’s used across various industries, and its qualities make it ideal for agricultural use.

• High hardness and good tensile strength
• Toughness and durability
• Good ductility
• Low wear rate and good corrosion resistance
• Steel can be used for larger spans with less depth
• Ease of recycling

The steel used in agriculture usually falls into three types: carbon-manganese steel, high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel, and high-strength quenched and tempered alloy steel. These materials are often pre-galvanized with a zinc coating to provide rust resistance and durability in outdoor environments.

3. Surface Treatment

Steel naturally rusts, so it requires surface treatment like chromate and a zinc layer to resist corrosion. Galvanization covers the steel with a protective layer of zinc, preventing corrosive substances from reaching the underlying steel.

• The zinc coating prevents corrosive substances from reaching the underlying steel or iron
• Zinc acts as a sacrificial anode
• The application of chromates over zinc is an industrial trend for enhanced protection

Hot-dip galvanizing is one method used, which adds a thick zinc-iron alloy layer to the steel. This process generally does not reduce the strength of the steel, though it has limitations for high-strength applications.

4. Cattle Panel Frames

The frame of the cattle panel will naturally depend on your animal size. Horses require the tallest frames, followed by cows and bulls, and then hogs and sheep. Most sheep and goat panels will stop cattle, but the reverse isn’t always true. The frame height and width should be appropriate for the type of animals you have, ensuring they cannot pass through or over the panel.

5. Cattle Panel Rails

The structure of cattle panels should be designed with appropriately spaced rails to ensure animals can’t escape. Standard rail quantity for cattle fences is usually 5 to 6; mixed-size herds might require more rails.

• Rail Quantity: Goats are particularly clever at escaping, so more rails can help prevent escapes.
• Rail Arrangement: Panels need closer rail spacing at the bottom as low-height areas are easier for animals to test and breach.

6. Cattle Panels Pipes

Steel pipes are the backbone of cattle panels. There are three common types of pipes: round, oval, and square/rectangular pipes. Round and oval pipes are preferred for horizontal rails to prevent injuries. Square and rectangular pipes are typically used for vertical posts, as they are easier to construct.

• Types of pipes: Round pipes approximately OD 26-27mm.
• Pipe Sizes: Depending on cattle size, pipe sizes vary from 40×40 to 100×100mm.
• Pipe Thickness: Ideal thickness ranges from 0.8mm to 3.2mm.

Visibility is crucial for animals with limited color perception to avoid running into the fence. Pipes should be sized to ensure they're easily seen by the animals.

7. Welded Parts

Strong welded parts are essential for a durable cattle panel. These connect the panels into a closed structure that can withstand animal force. Welded parts should be solid to prevent breaching.

• Types of welded parts include U lugs, L lugs, caps, and panel bases. Stainless steel pins are often used for connections.

8. Paint

While painting is less durable than galvanizing, combining both can provide improved protection. Paint over galvanizing offers corrosion resistance and easier maintenance, extending the life of the cattle panel.

9. Key Features to Look For

Durability

Durability is a critical factor in choosing cattle panels. They should be made from quality materials using modern technology to ensure longevity, minimizing the need for frequent maintenance or replacements.

Pressure Treatment

Cattle panels must withstand various environmental conditions, from hot climates to cold weather. Thick, high-quality stainless steel pipes are recommended for harsh environments.

Rustproofing

Iron and steel rust when exposed to water and oxygen, accelerating in salty or acidic environments. Adding a protective layer of zinc (galvanizing) significantly extends the life of cattle panels. However, even galvanized panels will eventually corrode, especially in harsh conditions. Thus, regular maintenance and additional protective measures can further prolong their lifespan.

Easy Assembly

Cattle panels should be easy to assemble with familiar accessories. Pins and other connectors should be user-friendly to facilitate quick setup.

Packing and Transportation

Proper packaging and labeling ensure cattle panels are delivered without damage. Typically, panels are packed in bundles, wrapped in plastic, and fixed with steel strips. Accessories should be packed in suitable containers to prevent loss or damage during transport.

Choosing a Reliable Supplier

A reputable supplier is crucial for high-quality cattle panels. Look for suppliers with strong production capacity, comprehensive control of the production process, and advanced technology. Certificates of quality management systems like ISO often indicate reliable standards.

For further details, explore Mclassic Metal for more.

Additional reading: Triangle Bending Fence Maker: DIY vs Professional Installation Guide

Chinh Dai Steel Cattle Panels

Chinh Dai Steel is a professional supplier specializing in producing cattle panels for cows, bulls, lambs, goats, horses, and sheep. Known internationally, their products are exported to markets like Australia, India, Myanmar, and Indonesia.

• Material: Pre-galvanized zinc-coated steel pipe
• Pipe Style: Round, oval, square, and rectangular pipes
• Pipe Size (mm): 40×40 to 100×100, and various other sizes
• Thickness: 0.8mm to 3.2mm
• Colour: Basic Zinc; Paint options include Silver, White, and Black

Their products are eco-friendly, waterproof, rodent-proof, and easy to assemble. These panels boast a life expectancy of over 20 years.

Farm Fencing Buying Guide

Deer can be very destructive to backyards and gardens as they're constantly grazing for food. Deer can also carry ticks, which can spread to people and farm animals. When choosing deer fencing for gardens, it’s important to go with a material that’s strong enough that deer can’t trample it but not overly visible from a distance. Options include deer netting made of strong plastic mesh or polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-coated metal wire. Select a mesh with an opening of 2 inches or less to ensure deer won’t tangle themselves in it by trying to stick their heads through.

For more Cattle Fence Panel information, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.