Varying Types Of Cattle Guards

When it comes to selecting one, you will want to chose the best one to suit your needs. Most people are accustomed to barbed wire and posts in order to keep cows, crops, or other animals fenced in. Or, if you're a home owner, you are probably familiar with the split rail style of fencing, they are typically found on private home properties. You can also find picket fences on residential land. Then there are the institutional fence types that may see enclosing a jail. As you probably know, each of these different fence types offers a different level of security. Follow the link to get more information on concrete cattle guard forms.

With all of these fences, you can also expect a certain type of gate to match its structure. With some of these types of fences, you may see an electronic, automated gate feature. In high security zones, like a prison, it is common to find these automated gates. An automated gate is great for an area that requires intense monitoring. Military bases are also a strong example of where you will find an automatic gate.

When fencing in cattle or other livestock, an automatic gate is rarely used. Instead of a gate, most cattle ranchers use what is called a cattle guard to manage their territory and keep their cattle contained.

They are commonly installed on a road that splits public and private property. These guards are most typically found in the Western United States. Some people also refer to a cattle guard as a "Texas Gate."

The cattle guard is installed in the ground, it prevents cows from exiting, but humans can get around it to come in and out of the pasture, road or other territory.
 There is also no gate opening required to enter or exit the pasture or road, so it allows for easy transportation for those needing to cross the road or enter a particular area. Cattle guards are also relatively inexpensive  to install and keep up with.
Cattle guards are all designed differently to offer different options as to how to keep the animals contained.

There are cattle guards made of steel, these are generally more expensive. If you have a steel cattle guard though, you must be willing to either paint it or build it from galvanized steel in order to prevent weather corrosion..

 There are even cattle guards that are virtual and painted on to roads. The pattern of light and dark stripes on a road are perceived by animals as a cattle guard. Find out more details about cattle guard design ideas.

A final option would be an electric cattle guard that delivers a shock to an animal who tries to pass it.