Want to set up a protein feeder during offseason with pen. Land owner rotates cattle on the property. We don't have any hogs, just javelina that won't be able to reach the tubes. Would 4 strand barb wire be a better option than panels? Thanks

keeping the barb wire tight would be my concern with cattle. They tend to lean on things. How big of a pen are you thinking of building?

I was thinking a 30'circle

Pen with barbed wire around the top is the best answer. The right cow will destroy a wire fence.

Would 34" panel with strand of wire about one foot above it? The 50" panels are actually cheaper than the 34"

Depends on how tall the biggest cows are. My last pens looked like a prison yard because the cows were huge! If I had to do it over again, I'd have 50in panels with a top strand.

Have 34" hog panels and it took 2 strands pf barb wire.

No wire at top; not needed, panel it with Tractor supply help, place tees to support, game over. Those wires will act as trip wires for deer.

Thanks, I'll just go with the 50" panels, especially for less $

yep, built a few with my BIL up in the panhandle using 50" tall panels that had lot of cattle, just cut a notch in the middle down to about 34-36" tall for easier access of the deer. we put a t-post at each end of the panels and one just off center by the notch. both WT and MD got to using the pens. We just tossed out about a half a bail of alfalfa in the middle, only took a couple days for the deer to find it and the notches to jump in/out. If memory serves me, most were 6-8 panels.

How hungry are the cows? Makes a difference.

Depends on time of year, rain, how long they've been in the pasture, etc..