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How to build skip proof electric fences that protect sheep from wolves

Geographical location
European Union
Keywords
grazing
Animal husbandry and welfare
sheep
Farming equipment and machinery
Agricultural sectors
Livestock (generic)
Main funding source
Other public (national, regional) research funds
Project type
Research project
Starting date
2011
End date
2013
Project status
Completed
Title (in English): 
How to build skip proof electric fences that protect sheep from wolves
Language: 
English
Objective of the project (native language): 

In areas with free-living wolves the use of suitable electric fences is essential to protect sheep herds. Material, construction and earthing of the fence influence its degree of safety as well as the time that is required to construct the fence. The use of herd protection dogs should be considered as an additional measure. (see additional information field)

Objective of the project (in English): 

NA

Description of activities (native language): 

(see additional information field)

Contact e-mail: 
roland.klemm@smul.sachsen.de
Project coordinator
Contact person: 
Roland Klemm
Address: 
Sächsisches Landesamt für Umwelt, Landwirtschaft und Geologie Referat 74: Tierzucht, Tierhygiene
E-mail: 
roland.klemm@smul.sachsen.de
Phone: 
(034222) 46-2100
Partner category: 
Researcher
Further details
Additional information: 

The research project “Schutzmaßnahmen vor dem Wolf”(Precautions against the wolf) - conducted by the Land Office for Environment, Agriculture and Geology (LfULG) and the Saxonian Sheep and Goat Breeders Association - examined various types of fence in practice. The fences were analysed with respect to their safety (current flow and voltage) but also with respect to handling and workload. The 90 cm high sheep net proved to be particularly beneficial. It is: • Skip safe/proof • Easy to use with 15 mm diameter posts for the installation of a flutter band (electric fence tape) • Efficient as it is set-up in less than 8 working minutes per net • Compact and stable • It can easily be adapted to the terrain by adding additional posts and • Provides higher voltage and energy at the fence • The grounding is integrated in the electric fence, which creates a greater effect and better deterrence The brochure “Herdenschutzhunde und sichere Einzäunung” (Herd protection dogs and safe fencing) provides further recommendations and detailed instructions for a skip proof electric fence, which can be set up within a reasonable amount of time. https://publikationen.sachsen.de/bdb/artikel/22816