High-Tensile vs Woven Wire Fence

Quick Answer

High-tensile wire is cheaper and longer-lasting for cattle, horses, and large livestock. Woven wire is better for containing sheep, goats, pigs, and small animals that would escape through the wide strand spacing of high-tensile. For most operations, the practical solution is woven wire on interior paddock fences (where escape pressure is highest) and high-tensile on long boundary fences where cost per foot matters most.

Comparison Table

Species-Specific Guidance

High-tensile electric fence works well for cattle with 3–5 strands at appropriate heights. It fails to contain goats, sheep, and pigs adequately without adding many more strands at very close spacing — at which point woven wire becomes simpler and more effective.

Woven wire (field fence / horse fence) with a top electric wire is the standard solution for sheep and goat operations. The woven mesh prevents small animals from slipping through, while the electric top wire prevents climbing and deters predators.

Combining Both Types

Many mixed operations use: woven wire on interior paddock fences where animals are managed closely and multiple species share space; and high-tensile electric on boundary fences where only cattle or horses need containment and cost per foot matters for long fence runs. This hybrid approach provides effective containment at reasonable cost across the entire property.

Our Recommendation

For a cattle-only operation: high-tensile electric. For sheep, goats, or mixed livestock: woven wire with an electric top wire on interior fences, high-tensile on boundary runs. Never use high-tensile without electricity for small livestock — the spacing allows easy escape and makes a waste of the entire fence investment.