Consideration of paddock shape and access in subdivision fencing

Abstract

In the potential paddock subdivision of a large property, a simulation study shows a rapidly increasing total fencing requirement as paddock shapes depart from square to rectangular, with it being 6% greater if length to width ratio is 2:1 and 25% when 4:1. It is similar or slightly less for a hexagonal shape with some advantages from machinery or animal behaviour considerations. Fencing a triangular shape would be 21% greater. Provision of access lanes to all paddocks simplifies management. While a series of ring lanes plus a few connecting lanes in square paddock design increases total fencing by 30% as compared to 25% for a central lane plus laterals lanes, it does result in a 9% reduction in the mean distance (time) needed to move stock between paddocks. Keywords: fencing; subdivision