Electric fences are increasingly being used by farmers and ranchers interested in confining their livestock to a specific area. These systems are successful at ensuring animals remain in a designated zone, offering them a sheltered and safe habitat. Specifically for cattle, electric fences bring numerous benefits as they can be effortlessly modified and moved to match fluctuating grazing patterns.
When shopping for the best electric fence for cattle, there are a few critical factors to consider. Firstly, the strength of the fence is essential. Cattle are large and powerful animals that can quickly break through a weak fence. Secondly, the voltage of the fence needs to be high enough to deter the cattle from touching it, but not so high that it causes them harm. Finally, the type of wire used in the fence needs to be durable and able to withstand the elements.
After researching and testing various electric fences, we have identified the top options for cattle farmers and ranchers. Whether you’re looking for a permanent or temporary solution, our recommendations will provide a safe and reliable way to contain your cattle.
Best Electric Fence for Cattle
As cattle owners, we understand the importance of keeping our animals safe and secure. One of the best ways to achieve this is by installing an electric fence. Electric fences offer a reliable and low-maintenance solution to keep cattle within a designated area, while also deterring predators and other unwanted visitors. In this article, we have rounded up the best electric fences for cattle on the market to help you make an informed decision for your farm or ranch.
1. Zareba EAC25M-Z AC Powered Low Impedance electric Fence Charger
Zareba EAC25M-Z AC Powered Low Impedance electric Fence Charger
If you’re looking for a powerful electric fence charger for your livestock, the Zareba EAC25M-Z AC Powered Low Impedance electric Fence Charger is a great option.
Pros
- Energizes up to 25 miles of electric fencing in ideal conditions
- Suitable for all types of electric fences
- Durable and rugged design
Cons
- Reduced power in heavy vegetation and poly products
- May not work for larger predators
- May require a well-kept fence line for optimal performance
We recently used the Zareba EAC25M-Z AC Powered Low Impedance electric Fence Charger to protect our cattle from wandering off our property. The energizer was able to power through light weeds and keep our animals contained. We were also impressed with the durable and rugged design of the charger, which protected the circuitry from weather extremes.
However, we did notice reduced power when the fence line had heavy vegetation or poly products. Additionally, the charger may not be powerful enough to keep larger predators out. It’s important to note that a well-kept fence line is ideal for optimal performance.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable electric fence charger for your livestock, the Zareba EAC25M-Z AC Powered Low Impedance electric Fence Charger is a solid choice.
2. Zareba 5 Mile Solar Low Impedance Fence Charger
Zareba 5 Mile Solar Low Impedance Fence Charger
We highly recommend the Zareba 5 Mile Solar Low Impedance Fence Charger for those in need of a reliable and versatile electric fence for cattle.
Pros
- With 0.15 output joules, this energizer can support animals and livestock such as cattle, horses, pigs, and goats.
- The solar-powered charger stores enough solar energy to operate for up to 2 weeks without sun, making it an ideal choice for remote locations without access to AC power.
- The patented 360-degree rotation allows the charger to rotate on T-Post to face the sun, ensuring optimal charging even in changing weather conditions.
Cons
- The charger energizes up to 5 miles of fencing, although if using poly products, you should expect about half of the power.
- The more material along the fence line, the harder the energizer must work to pass voltage through the line.
- The fence charger is the heart of your electric fence system, so it is important to consider factors such as power source, type of fence line, area of fence, number of wire strands, weed conditions, and type of animal controlled before making a purchase.
We were impressed by the Zareba 5 Mile Solar Low Impedance Fence Charger’s ability to support multiple types of fencing, including steel/aluminum, poly wire/poly rope, and poly tape. The low impedance technology allows for less battery drain, while the intuitive technology resists shorts when the fence is in contact with weeds.
The built-in mounting bracket for T-posts, Y-posts, and round-wood posts makes installation a breeze, and the durable case protects the energizer against the elements. We appreciate that it is built in the USA and tested with a full load at the manufacturing facility, and it comes with a 1-Year Limited Warranty including damage from lightning.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and versatile electric fence for cattle that can be powered by solar energy, we highly recommend the Zareba 5 Mile Solar Low Impedance Fence Charger.
3. Zareba EAC10M-Z AC Powered Low Impedance Electric Fence Charger
Zareba EAC10M-Z AC Powered Low Impedance Electric Fence Charger
If you’re looking for a reliable electric fence charger for your livestock, the Zareba EAC10M-Z AC Powered Low Impedance Electric Fence Charger is a great option.
Pros
- The charger can energize up to 10 miles of electric fencing in ideal conditions, making it suitable for large properties.
- It works with all types of electric fences, including high tensile, polywire, and polytape.
- The low-impedance technology helps maintain maximum energy on the fence, reducing battery drain.
Cons
- Heavy weed conditions can reduce the overall power of the fence energizer, so you may need to trim weeds regularly.
- The charger is not waterproof, so you’ll need to keep it undercover and away from the elements.
- Extreme vegetation and use of poly products will also reduce the overall power of the fence energizer.
We recently used the Zareba EAC10M-Z AC Powered Low Impedance Electric Fence Charger to protect our cattle and goats, and we were impressed with its performance. The charger is powerful enough to support animals such as cattle, horses, pigs, and goats, and we didn’t encounter any problems with animals escaping or predators getting in.
One of the things we liked about the charger was its low-impedance technology, which helped maintain maximum energy on the fence and reduced battery drain. The charger also worked well with all types of electric fences, making it a versatile option for different types of livestock enclosures.
However, we did have to trim the weeds along the fence line regularly to ensure that the charger was working at its full capacity. We also had to keep the charger undercover and away from the elements to prevent damage.
Overall, we would recommend the Zareba EAC10M-Z AC Powered Low Impedance Electric Fence Charger to anyone looking for a reliable and versatile electric fence charger for their livestock.
4. ENDMAN 2-Mile Electric Fence Energizer for Animals
Electric Fence Energizer
If you’re looking for an electric fence energizer for your cattle, the ENDMAN 2-Mile Electric Fence Energizer is a decent option to consider.
Pros
- The ENDMAN electric fence energizer is easy to install and use.
- It generates high-voltage pulses to prevent animals from crossing or damaging the fence.
- It is suitable for all soil types and different types of livestock, including dairy cattle, cattle, sheep, and pets.
Cons
- The ENDMAN electric fence energizer is advertised as a 2-mile energizer, but it may not work effectively for such a distance.
- The pulse may not be strong enough for some animals, which may lead them to cross or damage the fence.
- The ENDMAN electric fence energizer may not be as durable as some other options on the market.
In our experience, the ENDMAN electric fence energizer is easy to set up and use. It generates high-voltage pulses that are effective in preventing animals from crossing or damaging the fence. However, we noticed that the pulse may not be strong enough for some animals, which may lead them to ignore the fence and cross it. Additionally, we found that the ENDMAN electric fence energizer may not be as durable as some other options on the market, which may be a concern for some users.
Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable and easy-to-use electric fence energizer for your cattle, the ENDMAN 2-Mile Electric Fence Energizer may be worth considering. However, if you need a more powerful and durable option, you may want to look elsewhere.
5. PROOVEELLY Electric Fence Energizer
PROOVEELLY Electric Fence Energizer
If you’re looking for a reliable electric fence energizer for your cattle farm, the PROOVEELLY Electric Fence Energizer is a great option to consider. With its LCD power display, multi power supply function, and waterproof design, it’s a versatile and durable choice that can handle all kinds of weather conditions.
Pros
- The LCD power display keeps you informed about the status of your fence energizer, so you can always stay in control.
- The alarm function alerts you immediately if there is any breach or wild animals intruding with your electric fence, ensuring that you can take swift action against potential intruders.
- The multi power supply function makes it easy to use the fence energizer in all kinds of poor power conditions, whether you’re using a mains adaptor, solar panel, or battery.
Cons
- The fence energizer is relatively heavy, which can make it difficult to move around or install in certain areas.
- The alarm sensitivity can be a bit finicky, which may require some tweaking to get it just right.
- The fence energizer may be too powerful for smaller farms or livestock areas, which could lead to potential safety issues.
Overall, we would recommend the PROOVEELLY Electric Fence Energizer for anyone who needs a durable and versatile electric fence charger for their cattle farm. With its reliable alarm function, multi power supply options, and waterproof design, it’s a solid choice that can handle whatever Mother Nature throws its way.
6. Pet & Livestock HQ Electric Fence Charger
Pet & Livestock HQ Electric Fence Charger
If you’re looking for a reliable and portable electric fence charger for your livestock, the Pet & Livestock HQ Electric Fence Charger is a good choice.
Pros
- The Solar fence charger requires minimal sunlight and can provide up to 10 days of containment and predator protection for remote areas with no reliable power.
- The Portable Solar Charger System uses a premium Panasonic 7.4V/3.4AH Lithium Ion Battery, giving you a low-impedance, high output 0.1 joule electric fence charger that’s ready for up to 2 miles of electric fence coverage to contain and protect stubborn cows, high-strung horses, as well as pigs and goats.
- The energizer charger with durable, heavy-duty polycarbonate enclosure is safe from bad weather, rust, or corrosion. Plus, unlike multi-unit electric cattle fence chargers, this solar-powered fence charger is ready for permanent use, yet the simple one-piece hybrid design makes it easy to move anywhere you need electric fence coverage fast.
Cons
- Some users reported that the device doesn’t work well in direct sunlight and needs to be placed in the shade or covered with a cloth to work properly.
- A few users found the device to be less durable and long-lasting than expected.
- The instructions could be more detailed and user-friendly.
We’ve used the Pet & Livestock HQ Electric Fence Charger for a while now and it has worked well for us. The solar-powered feature is convenient and has saved us money on electric bills. The device is easy to set up and move around as needed. We’ve also appreciated the device’s ability to keep our livestock contained and protected from predators.
However, we’ve noticed that the device doesn’t work well in direct sunlight and needs to be placed in the shade or covered with a cloth to work properly. We’ve also noticed that the device may not be as durable and long-lasting as expected. Overall, we recommend the Pet & Livestock HQ Electric Fence Charger for those looking for a reliable and portable electric fence charger for their livestock.
7. PROOVEELLY Electric Fence Energizer
PROOVEELLY Electric Fence Energizer
If you’re looking for a reliable electric fence charger to protect your farm animals from wild predators, the PROOVEELLY Electric Fence Energizer is an excellent choice.
Pros
- The LCD power display allows you to stay in control of your fence energizer, ensuring you always know the status of your fence.
- The alarm function alerts you immediately if there is any breach or wild animals intruding with your electric fence, allowing you to take swift action against potential intruders.
- The fence energizer is waterproof, making it suitable for use in wet environments and extreme weather conditions.
Cons
- The fence energizer is not suitable for large farms or properties as it can only cover up to 100 acres.
- The solar panel is not included in the package and needs to be purchased separately.
- The fence energizer is quite heavy, weighing in at 2.29 pounds.
We recently purchased the PROOVEELLY Electric Fence Energizer for our farm, and we were impressed with its performance. The LCD power display is a great feature that allows us to monitor the input voltage and battery voltage level, as well as the output voltage display showing the set voltage and the internal status of the machine. The alarm function is also a plus, as it alerts us immediately if there is any breach or wild animals intruding with our electric fence.
The fence energizer is also designed to be waterproof, making it suitable for use in wet environments and extreme weather conditions. We have tested it during heavy rain, and it worked perfectly fine. However, we would recommend purchasing a solar panel separately, as it is not included in the package and is necessary for the fence energizer to work in remote areas.
Overall, we are satisfied with the PROOVEELLY Electric Fence Energizer’s performance and would recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable electric fence charger to protect their farm animals from wild predators.
8. Zareba 50 Mile AC Low Impedance Fence Charger
Zareba 50 Mile AC Low Impedance Fence Charger
If you’re looking for a powerful electric fence charger for your cattle, the Zareba 50 Mile AC Low Impedance Fence Charger might be the perfect fit for you.
Pros
- Energizes up to 50 miles of electric fencing in ideal conditions
- Suitable for all types of electric fences
- Durable and weather-resistant design
Cons
- Reduced power in extreme vegetation and poly products
- Not completely weatherproof
- Some users experienced issues with lightning damage
We recently used the Zareba 50 Mile AC Low Impedance Fence Charger on our farm and were impressed with its performance. It was able to energize our electric fence for our cattle, horses, and pigs with ease. We also appreciated its rugged and durable design, which protected the circuitry from the elements.
However, we did notice that the charger’s power output was reduced when there was extreme vegetation or poly products along the fence line. Additionally, the unit is not completely weatherproof, so we had to be careful to protect it from the elements.
Overall, we recommend the Zareba 50 Mile AC Low Impedance Fence Charger for its powerful output, versatility, and durability. Just be sure to keep in mind its limitations when it comes to extreme vegetation and weather protection.
9. Zareba 10 Mile Solar Low Impedance Fence Charger
Zareba 10 Mile Solar Low Impedance Fence Charger
If you’re searching for the best electric fence for cattle, the Zareba 10 Mile Solar Low Impedance Fence Charger is a great option to consider.
Pros
- With 0.15 output joules, this energizer is powerful enough to support animals and livestock such as cattle, horses, bulls, and goats.
- This solar-powered charger stores enough solar energy to operate for up to 2 weeks without sun, making it ideal for remote fields.
- The fence charger is versatile and can be used with steel/aluminum, poly wire/poly rope, and poly tape.
Cons
- The charger’s power output may be reduced if the fence line is not well-kept or if there are weeds along the fence.
- The installation process can be a bit tricky, especially for those who are not familiar with electric fence systems.
- The price point may be higher than other electric fence chargers on the market.
We recently used the Zareba 10 Mile Solar Low Impedance Fence Charger to contain our cattle and were impressed with its performance. The charger energized up to 10 miles of electric fencing in ideal conditions and up to 5 miles in light weeds. We appreciated that it was solar-powered, which made it easy to use in remote areas without access to electricity.
The fence charger was easy to install and came with a built-in mounting bracket for t-posts, y-posts, and round-wood posts. We used it with poly wire and were pleased with how well it worked. The low impedance technology allowed for less battery drain, and the intuitive technology resisted shorts when the fence was in contact with weeds.
Overall, we would recommend the Zareba 10 Mile Solar Low Impedance Fence Charger to anyone looking for a reliable and powerful electric fence charger for their cattle. While the price point may be higher than other options, we believe that the quality and performance make it worth the investment.
10. Feikeer Electric Fence Energizer
Electric Fence Energizer
If you’re looking for an electric fence energizer that’s powerful enough to contain large animals like cattle, horses, pigs, and goats, then the Feikeer Electric Fence Energizer is the perfect solution for you. With up to 2J of output power, this electric fence charger can energize up to 6 miles, making it ideal for keeping predators at bay and protecting your livestock.
Pros
- The Feikeer Electric Fence Energizer is powerful enough to contain large animals like cattle, horses, pigs, and goats.
- It comes with comprehensive features, including 2 charging methods, a durable design that provides excellent waterproof function, and an alarm fitting that can better protect you.
- The electric fence energizer is easy to install, thanks to its mounting hole, which helps with convenient installation.
Cons
- To avoid electric shock hazards for pedestrians, you need to place warning signs after installation.
- The Feikeer Electric Fence Energizer is not suitable for small or lightweight animals.
- It requires a 12V battery, which is not included in the package.
In our experience, the Feikeer Electric Fence Energizer is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a powerful electric fence charger that can contain large animals and prevent predators. The energizer comes with comprehensive features, including 2 charging methods, a durable design that provides excellent waterproof function, and an alarm fitting that can better protect you. The electric fence energizer is also easy to install, thanks to its mounting hole, which helps with convenient installation.
In terms of performance, the Feikeer Electric Fence Energizer is powerful enough to contain large animals like cattle, horses, pigs, and goats. It can energize up to 6 miles, making it ideal for keeping predators at bay and protecting your livestock. However, it’s not suitable for small or lightweight animals, and you need to place warning signs after installation to avoid electric shock hazards for pedestrians.
Overall, we highly recommend the Feikeer Electric Fence Energizer for anyone looking for a powerful and reliable electric fence charger. With its comprehensive features and excellent performance, it’s a great investment for anyone who wants to protect their livestock and prevent predators. Plus, with a 1-year warranty and great after-sale service, you can rest assured that you’re getting a high-quality product that’s built to last.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best electric fence for cattle, there are several factors to consider. Below are some key features to look for when making your decision.
Fence Type
The first thing to consider is the type of electric fence you need. There are two main types: permanent and portable. Permanent fences are ideal for those who have a fixed grazing area and want a long-lasting solution. Portable fences, on the other hand, are ideal for those who need to move their cattle around frequently. They are easy to set up and take down and can be moved from one location to another.
Voltage
Voltage is an important factor to consider when choosing an electric fence for your cattle. The higher the voltage, the more effective the fence will be at keeping your cattle contained. It’s important to note, however, that higher voltage fences can be more dangerous, so it’s important to follow safety guidelines when installing and using them.
Energizer
The energizer is the heart of your electric fence system. It’s what powers the fence and delivers the electric shock to your cattle. When choosing an energizer, you’ll want to consider the size of your grazing area, as well as the number of cattle you have. You’ll also want to consider the type of energizer you need. There are two main types: plug-in and battery-powered.
Wire
The wire is what carries the electric charge around your fence. When choosing wire, you’ll want to consider the gauge, or thickness, of the wire, as well as the material it’s made from. Thicker wire is more durable and can handle more voltage, but it can also be more expensive. Copper wire is the most conductive, but it’s also the most expensive. Aluminum wire is a good alternative, as it’s less expensive but still conductive.
Insulators
Insulators are what keep the wire from touching the fence posts and other conductive materials. When choosing insulators, you’ll want to consider the material they’re made from, as well as their durability and strength. Porcelain insulators are the most durable, but they can also be expensive. Plastic insulators are a good alternative, as they’re more affordable and still strong enough to do the job.
In summary, when choosing the best electric fence for your cattle, you’ll want to consider the fence type, voltage, energizer, wire, and insulators. By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that you choose a fence that will keep your cattle contained safely and effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the strongest electric fence charger for cattle?
The strongest electric fence charger for cattle is one that delivers high voltage and amperage. Generally, chargers with higher joules are considered to be stronger. We recommend using a charger with at least 3 joules for cattle.
What is the best electric fence charger for goats?
The best electric fence charger for goats is one that delivers a low amperage shock, as goats have a lower tolerance for electric shocks than other livestock. We recommend using a charger with 0.5 to 1 joules for goats.
How do I install an electric fence for cattle?
To install an electric fence for cattle, you will need to first plan out the layout of your fence. Then, install the fence posts and attach the insulators. Next, run the wire or tape along the fence posts and connect it to the charger. Finally, test the fence to ensure that it is functioning properly.
Are electric cattle fences dangerous?
Electric cattle fences can be dangerous if not installed and maintained properly. However, if installed correctly and used according to the manufacturer’s instructions, electric cattle fences are safe for both the cattle and the humans handling them.
How many joules should an electric fence have for cattle?
The recommended joules for an electric fence for cattle is at least 3 joules. This is because cattle have thicker hides and require a stronger shock to be deterred from crossing the fence.
What is the best fence for a cattle lot?
The best fence for a cattle lot will depend on your specific needs and budget. However, we recommend using a high-tensile electric fence with at least 5 strands of wire for the best security and durability.