Cattle grids, also known as cattle guards, are structures placed over a depression in the ground in order to prevent livestock from crossing an enclosed piece of land to another area. Cattle grids are typically placed between private and public lands.

Why do cows not cross cattle guards?

The way a cattle guard works is this: there are metal pipes that are laid in a strategic formation over a deep ditch. ... If they try to cross the cattle guard, their legs will fall down in between the pipes and they will get stuck. The cattle know this. So they generally don't try to cross cattle guards.

How deep should a cattle guard be?

The depth of the finished vault should be approximately one foot deep. If it's any deeper, animals may be injured if they attempt to cross and fall through the guard.