If you own cattle, you’re probably familiar with the time-consuming task of wrangling them back into your property to prevent accidents or random grazing. Fortunately, there is a practical solution that can save you both time and effort: cattle guards.
In this blog article, we will explore everything you need to know about these ingenious contraptions, including their purpose, popular designs, dimensions, and the materials used to construct them. Let’s dive in!
What is a Cattle Guard?
Cattle guards are visual barriers commonly found on farms, ranches, open-range states, and high-traffic corridors.
They are designed to prevent animals, such as cattle and horses, from crossing fence lines or roads by creating a visual illusion of depth that animals are hesitant to cross. Instead of installing gates at every road crossing, cattle bars provide a convenient and effective alternative.
Why use a Cattle Guard?
Cattle guards are used to control livestock movement, providing continuous access without the need for gates.
They ensure the safety of livestock by preventing them from straying onto roads or hazardous areas. Cattle grid save time, are cost-effective, and create a psychological deterrent for animals, enhancing overall efficiency.
How Cattle Grid Works?
- Cattle guards are typically built across roads, gate entrances, or property boundaries to prevent livestock from crossing.
- They consist of a series of parallel bars or tubes, usually made of steel or concrete, placed over a pit or trench.
- The gaps between the bars or tubes create an optical illusion of depth, making animals hesitant to step onto the guard.
- Livestock, particularly animals with hooves like cattle or horses, perceive the gaps as a potential hazard and are reluctant to cross.
- When an animal attempts to step onto the cattle bars, its legs will fall into the gaps, causing discomfort or instability.
- This discomfort, combined with the visual illusion, acts as a psychological deterrent, preventing animals from attempting to cross the guard.
- Cattle guards are designed to support the weight of vehicles, allowing them to pass over without any hindrance.
- The continuous barrier created by the cattle guard eliminates the need for physical gates, providing convenient access for vehicles and people while effectively containing livestock within designated areas.
Types of Cattle Guard Designs
It is available in different shapes or designs. Below we have mentioned a few designs.
1. Flat Box Design
The flat or standard cattle guard design consists of metal tubes or rods arranged in a grid pattern. The components of this design include:
Piping: There are two types of piping to choose from – round and flat top. Both types create a visual illusion of depth, but round tops provide unstable footing for flat-hoofed livestock, while flat tops offer smoother driving.
Removable boxes: These boxes facilitate the removal of debris from the area underneath the piping.
Cattle guard wings: These wings prevent cattle from jumping over the corners of the guard. While they can be used with barbed wire fences, it is recommended to have a more substantial fence along the entire width of the cattle guard for optimal effectiveness.
2. Boxed Design
Boxed cattle guards are constructed using regular flat cattle guards as their base. They feature a steel skirt welded around the sides to prevent dirt from entering and clogging the guard.
Boxed cattle guards are typically installed on top of the ground without footings or a vault, making them a suitable option for temporary use. It is essential to create dirt ramps on either side of the guard for proper installation.
Materials used in Cattle Guards
Following are some materials that can be used in designing a cattle grid.
1. Concrete
Concrete cattle guards are a popular choice due to their strength. Typically reinforced with steel rods, they provide durability and resistance to the elements. However, the weight of concrete guards may result in higher shipping costs.
2. Steel
Steel cattle guards offer excellent strength, but they are generally more expensive than other options. Modern cattle grids often combine concrete and steel for optimal performance. To ensure longevity and weather resistance, steel guards should be painted or built from galvanized steel.
3. Electric
Electric cattle guards employ electricity to discourage animals from crossing a fence. This method also keeps predators at bay.
Many livestock owners opt for homemade electric solutions due to their cost-effectiveness and ease of installation. However, it’s important to note the risk of shocks posed to people, pets, and vehicles when using electric cattle guards.
4. Virtual
Virtual cattle guards involve painting lines in an alternating dark/light pattern that resembles a cattle grid. While initially cost-effective, the need for repainting over time may outweigh the savings compared to a well-built metal cattle guard.
It’s worth noting that virtual guards are not foolproof, as some animals may learn to leap over or overcome their fear of walking across the image.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Electrical Cattle Guards over Other Types
| Advantages of Electric Cattle Guards | Disadvantages of Electric Cattle Guards |
| Cost-effective installation | Risk of shocks to people, pets, or unintended targets |
| Flexibility and customization | Dependency on a power source |
| Predator deterrence | Training required for livestock |
| Easy installation | Maintenance challenges |
| Low maintenance | Limited effectiveness on determined animals |
Are Cattle Guards Effective and Safe to Use?
Cattle guards are generally effective at preventing animals from crossing, but there are instances where cattle may learn to navigate them. The depth and width of the hole beneath the cattle guard play a crucial role in deterring animals.
Maintenance may be required to remove debris or gravel that accumulates over time. While cattle guards are safe for people and vehicles, caution should be exercised with livestock, as they can get stuck in the middle or slip through the rails. However, with proper care and attention, livestock can be lifted to safety without harm.
What kind of Maintenance is required for Concrete Cattle Guards?
1. Cleaning: Regular cleaning is essential to prevent the buildup of debris, dirt, and vegetation in the cattle guard. Use a broom or a high-pressure washer to remove any accumulated material. This will help maintain the visual illusion of depth and prevent animals from attempting to cross.
2. Inspection: Periodically inspect the concrete cattle guard for any signs of damage, such as cracks, chips, or erosion. These issues can compromise the structural integrity of the guard and reduce its effectiveness. If you notice any damage, it’s important to address it promptly to prevent further deterioration.
3. Repairs: If you find any cracks or chips in the concrete, it’s crucial to repair them as soon as possible. Small cracks can be patched with concrete epoxy or a suitable repair compound. For more extensive damage, it may be necessary to replace the affected section or seek professional assistance.
4 Debris Removal: Check the area beneath the cattle guard regularly to ensure it remains clear of debris, stones, or other materials. Accumulated debris can impede the visual illusion and make it easier for animals to attempt crossing. Use a shovel or rake to remove any debris and maintain a clean and clear passage.
5. Vegetation Control: Keep the vegetation around the cattle guard trimmed and properly managed. Overgrown plants or weeds can obstruct the visibility of the guard and reduce its effectiveness. Regularly mow or trim vegetation in the surrounding area to maintain an unobstructed view.
6. Surface Protection: Consider applying a protective coating or sealant to the surface of the concrete cattle guard. This can help enhance its resistance to weathering, cracking, and erosion. Consult with a professional or a local supplier to determine the most appropriate sealant or coating for your specific cattle guard.
7. Regular Inspections: Conduct routine inspections of the entire cattle guard structure, including the supporting footings or vaults, if applicable. Check for any signs of deterioration or damage and address them promptly. Regular inspections will help identify potential issues early on and prevent more significant problems down the line.
Conclusion
In short, cattle guards provide an efficient and convenient solution for keeping livestock within property boundaries while eliminating the need for constant gate management. Whether you opt for a flat box design or a boxed cattle guard, it’s important to consider the dimensions, materials, and maintenance required for optimal performance.
By understanding the different types of cattle guards and their purpose, you can make an informed decision on which design and materials are best suited for your specific needs. With a well-designed and properly maintained cattle guard, you can enhance safety and convenience on your property while ensuring the well-being of your livestock. Learn here more cattle Products Guide and tips.
