Keeping the animals and livestock on your farm safe is crucial for protecting your livelihood. Not only can cattle, goats, horses, and other creatures wander away, but predatory animals can find their way onto your property and harm them. A skilled metal fabricator can erect fencing and other structures on your land to avoid these issues. The following guide outlines a few strategies you can employ to maintain a safer, more productive farm.  

How to Keep Your Farm Animals Are Safe and Secure

1. Use Guardian Animals

Having a dog guard your cattle establishes an aggressive defense against threats from predators. These pups also help keep livestock calm and relaxed, which makes them easier to manage. Barn cats are also helpful, particularly for farms that have chickens. They can deal with rodents that may cause illness and try to eat eggs.

2. Inspect Fencing Regularly

Solid fencing keeps all animals on your land and stops wildlife and intruders from getting in. Accordingly, you should check the fencing around the property's perimeter at least once a week or more frequently if possible. When assessing them, look for leaning posts, torn mesh, loose nails, and other defects. If you notice any problems, make immediate repairs to keep livestock safe.  

3. Install Cattle Guards Where Necessary

If there are areas on your farm where a fence might not be appropriate, a cattle guard is a great alternative. They can be placed between properties or at entrances to major roadways to prevent cows from crossing the boundary and potentially getting hurt. 

These features use metal grates or poles that are laid horizontally on the ground to cover a ditch. Since cows don't have toes to use as grips, it's harder for them to navigate the poles with their hooves. They also have problems with depth perception, so the ditch is a deterrent. If they do try to cross, their legs will get stuck in the spaces between the beams.

4. Erect a Secure Nighttime Enclosure

You can't keep your eyes on the livestock at all times, which leaves them vulnerable to predators that hunt at night. Secured structures and buildings keep dangerous animals at bay and ensure cows, goats, sheep, and other animals enjoy optimum safety after dark. You can also utilize electrified fencing for enhanced nighttime security if you lack a properly sized barn or shed to house your livestock.

Whether you need fence repairs or are looking for a new structure, the metal fabricators at Pipe Plus Inc. can help. Since 1997, they've been known for producing high-quality products for customers throughout Willow Springs, MO. This team uses advanced equipment and proven techniques to custom-design pieces to your exact specifications, whether you need fence posts, grain bins, hay feeders, or cattle guard poles. Call (417) 469-5292 to discuss your design plans with a knowledgeable metal fabricator.