The electric shepherd is a reliable guard not only for cows, but also for other domestic animals. The device saves the owner’s nerves and energy, effectively solving the problem of safe grazing of pets. Under the protection of an electric guard, cows are not afraid of predators and wandering lovers of fresh meat. Thanks to a clever device, the cost of paying employees for services is reduced.
What is it used for?
The job of a livestock farmer is not only to care for livestock, but also to prepare conditions for grazing.Not all farmers have personal ownership of their pasture, so it is sometimes impossible to fence it, and the cost of a permanent fence is high.
Some owners prefer to resort to the services of a hired shepherd, but finding a responsible person is not easy. It is risky to trust a stranger with the life and health of breeding animals. In addition, the hired employee will have to be paid. The problem can be solved with the help of technology. The electric shepherd is a real salvation for cattle owners.
The device is an insurmountable barrier for livestock, consisting of light posts with an electrically conductive strip-tape attached to them. An invisible guard encircles the pasture area and, with the help of a slight electric current, stops any attempts by the pet to go beyond the boundaries of the area.
Scheme and principle of operation
The device may take the form of a simple metal mesh, conductive strips, or even bare wire stretched over poles. The supports are dug in around the perimeter of the grazing area. Every second, the generator sends a short electrical signal to the conductive element of the device.
When contacting the fence, the cow is exposed to an electrical current. The shock will not harm the pet, because the current strength does not exceed 3 mA, but it will inevitably cause discomfort in the cow.
The system consists of 6 components:
- Metal, wooden or plastic pole supports. A wire is stretched between the supports in several tiers. It is positioned so that the lower tier is 25 cm above ground level.The height of the wire fence is 100-110 cm. Insulators are installed on the posts.
- The main element of the system is the generator. The device uninterruptedly transmits short electrical impulses along all conductive paths.
- Conductor. The device is responsible for the positive direction of current along the conductive tape.
- Ground electrode. The device ensures the safety of people and pets.
- Lightning rod. A protective structure is installed in order to protect the generator from electrical discharges during a thunderstorm. A lightning rod is placed between the generator housing and the wire fence.
- Entrance gate. The device allows you to let pets in and out without turning off the generator. The gate is equipped with a plastic handle, insulator and springs.
Pros and cons of an electric shepherd
Like any device, the electric shepherd has its advantages and minor disadvantages.
Review of popular models
In the Russian Federation, domestically produced equipment, as well as electric shepherds from European manufacturers, are in great demand.
The price of the devices depends on the power of the generator and the material from which the device elements are made.
- In recent years, devices from a Hungarian company have been gaining popularity. The company supplies not only portable, but also permanent electric fences. Inexpensive equipment works perfectly not only from a regular 220 V network, but also from a small 12 V power source. A model called COWBOY 8000 MAGNUM reliably protects pets within a radius of 50 km.
- The products of the Polish company Electric Fence have proven themselves well; they are assembled in Europe and operate on 12 and 220 V. The price of the equipment is quite reasonable; the most inexpensive electronic device, AGRI 500, costs just under 6,000 rubles. Manufacturers guarantee uninterrupted operation of the equipment for 1 year.
- Finnish-made artificial shepherds are very popular. OLLI produces reliable equipment for use on pastures up to 10 km2.
- The security system manufactured by Rix-TV LLC enjoys a good reputation and is perfect for the safe herding of pets. The company is known as the developer of a fundamentally new pulse generator.
How to choose a ready-made device
When choosing a device for cattle, you need to find out information about the power sources of the unit. The electric assistant can be powered by mains power, a battery, or solar storage batteries. Combination devices powered by both battery and solar panels are available for sale. The last type of equipment is the most profitable.
The livestock breeder should pay attention to the number of volts indicated in the equipment specifications. The choice depends on the age of the pets. If we are talking about adult cows, you need to purchase a powerful device. For small animals, it is enough to install equipment with an average voltage rating. It is necessary to know how tall the grass grows in the intended cow grazing area. The installation does not work well when in contact with dense plant matter.
Homemade electric shepherd
To make your own electric assistant, you need to prepare supports, electrically conductive mesh, tape or galvanized steel wire and a generator.
The number of pillars is prepared at the rate of: 1 support for every 7 m. The pillars can be metal, wood or plastic. The supports are dug into the ground along the entire perimeter of the grazing area. The stretched wire is decorated with bright pieces of fabric. This is done so that pets quickly get used to respecting boundaries.
Insulators are made from scraps of bicycle inner tubes or plastic bottles. Grounding is constructed using metal rods. The optimal length of the iron pin is 1.3-1.5 m.
Instructions for use
Work begins with the installation of corner supports for the future fence. These pillars bear the main load, so they are secured with special care.After installing the remaining supports and the entrance gate, insulators are attached to the surface of the pillars. Parts are needed to fix the electrically conductive tape. 3 rows of wire are pulled onto the posts. Each tier is located at a certain distance from ground level. The bottom wire is stretched 25 cm from the ground, the height of the middle level is 50-55 cm, and the top wire runs at a height of 90 cm.
The generator is installed on a special stand. Grounding is installed near the device. The metal pin is buried 120 cm into the ground. The design of the generator provides 2 wires. One of them is connected to the conductive tape, and the other to the ground electrode. The final stage of work is to install the lightning rod. The impact power of the equipment is calculated based on the composition of the animal herd. For ordinary, medium-sized cows, the standard 10 kV mode is connected. For larger individuals, the power settings are increased.
