What is the difference between a hog panel and a cattle panel?

Introduction

When choosing fencing for your farm, the wrong panel type can mean costly escapes, injured animals, and frequent replacements. Farmers often compare hog panel vs cattle panel to decide which fits their livestock needs. Both are welded steel livestock panels, but they are designed for different animal behaviors, sizes, and containment challenges. According to data from agricultural suppliers, matching the right panel type to your livestock can cut maintenance costs by up to 35% and improve containment reliability by over 90%.

The main difference between a hog panel and a cattle panel comes down to wire spacing, intended livestock, and panel height—all designed to match the behavior and size of the animals being contained.

Definition: Hog Panel vs Cattle Panel

A hog panel is a rigid welded wire panel—typically 16 ft (4.88 m) long × 34 in (0.86 m) tall—made from 4- to 5-gauge galvanized steel wire. Its wire grid has smaller openings near the bottom (often 2" × 4") to prevent piglets from squeezing out and to stop hogs from rooting under the fence.

A cattle panel is usually 16 ft long × 50 in (1.27 m) tall, also built with 4- to 5-gauge galvanized steel. The openings are uniformly larger (often 6" × 8") because cattle are bigger and less prone to escaping through small gaps.

Application Scenarios for Each Panel Type

Hog Panel Applications

Pig pens & farrowing yards: The tight bottom grid stops piglets (as small as 8 in shoulder height) from escaping.

Goat enclosures: Goats can slip through large gaps, so hog panels work well.

Garden protection: Blocks rabbits and other small wildlife.

Cattle Panel Applications

Cattle corrals: Taller height prevents cattle (average shoulder height 50–60 in) from leaning over or stepping through.

Horse enclosures: Smooth galvanized finish reduces injury risk.

Large livestock barriers: Suitable for bison, alpacas, or even deer in managed pastures.

Data Comparison

The key difference between a hog panel and a cattle panel lies in height, wire spacing, and intended animal type. Hog panels keep smaller, agile animals contained; cattle panels provide height and strength for large, heavy livestock. Choosing the right panel ensures safety, reduces costs, and maximizes durability.

If you're looking for a fencing solution that perfectly meets your livestock needs, explore Aobiao's line of pig and cattle pens. Contact us for technical specifications, corrosion resistance data, and bulk pricing to effectively protect your animals.

FAQs

Q: Can pig pens be used to house cattle?

A: Not recommended—pig pens are typically 34 inches high, making them easily toppled or knocked over by cattle.

Q: Can cattle pens be used to house pigs?

A: Yes, but cattle pens typically have larger openings, which won't prevent piglets from escaping.

Q: What is the lifespan of galvanized steel?

A: With a galvanized thickness of 70-80 microns, both pig and cattle pens have an outdoor lifespan of 15-20 years.