Knowing your livestock fencing options presents you with possibilities that allow you to mix and match to suit the functionality and needs of the ranch and for keeping good neighbours.
Barbed Wire
Barbed wire is two stands of non-galvanized wire twisted together and having pointed barbs every so often along it's length and until high tensile fence came on the scene barbed wire was the more predominant type of perimeter fence, especially for cattle.
The wire does not carry electric current very efficiently therefore it is not used as electric fence
Comes in rolls
Painful to handle unless well protected from the barbs
Long lasting as anyone who has purchased ranch land and found old barbed fence lines wire will know
Breaks in the fence can be repaired with splices
Can withstand a fair amount of tension but does break easier than high tensile wire
Barbed wire is still a well known livestock fencing option often used for cattle and horses. Barbed wire fences can be retrofitted with an off set hot wire to use with sheep, however it is not safe to use barb wire on its own with sheep (see sheep fencing).
Field Fence
also called page wire or sheep fence
This is a woven wire fence with both horizontal and vertical wires
The size of the square opening created by the weave vary with the type of fence
Some brands will have larger openings at the top and smaller ones at the bottom
Field fence can be purchased in a couple different wire weights (gauges)
Comes in rolls of 130 - 160 feet and 24, 36 and 47 inch heights are the most common
Not as easy to unroll, stretch and maneuver as single wires without specialized equipment
More difficult to repair and can break under high tension
Since on a linear foot basis it is expensive it is commonly only used when fencing smaller paddocks that need to be more secure.
This type of livestock fencing is used often for sheep and goats. Not really justified for cattle and horses. Can be used with pigs and poultry depending on the wire spacing.
Electric Netting
Polywire netting with fiberglass poles woven in and as the name implies it looks like netting.
The netting has several fine wires laced into its horizontal stays so that it can be electrified
Comes in rolls and either 34 or 42 inches high
Fibre glass poles have either single prong or double prong spikes at the bottom. Double prong support better than the single
The advantage to netting is it is easy to set up and take down, is highly portable and light weight
Can be repaired but extensive damage will render it pretty useless
Not considered a long lasting or permanent fence
This livestock fencing option is commonly used as temporary fencing for sheep and goats. Not very suitable for cattle, horses or pigs.
Polywire and PolyTape
Polywire is plastic twine twisted with fine steel wires
Polytape is plastic poly strip of greater width for high visibility. Has steel wires interwoven in the tape
Both can be electrified
Lightweight and suited for temporary or easily moveable fences
Comes in rolls
Limited ability to repair
Not commonly or readily available in some areas. Seems to work okay with horses. Is often advertised for use with sheep.
Wooden Slab Fence
Posts, rails and slab lumber make up the wooden slab fence
Rails are nailed to posts horizontally and slab cut lumber pieces are nailed to the rails vertically creating a secure and relatively tight fence.
Slab cut lumber pieces are used as a cheaper source of lumber
The height of the fence and how it is being used will determine the gap left between the slabs
A labour intensive fence to build but will likely last many years
Portable windbreaks are short sections of wooden slab fence built on a metal frame for move-ability
Wooden slab fences are used in smaller areas that will see high pressure from animals. Corral fences and handling alleyways etc are almost always wooden slab fences.
The slab fence is a livestock fencing option that can be made to suit and work well for any livestock species however its higher cost often limits its size.
Since on a linear foot basis it is expensive it is commonly only used when fencing smaller paddocks that need to be more secure. 
