2022-06-02 Barbed wire: In large-scale domestic animals' applications, in general, barbed wire materials are high quality and inexpensive. Barbed wire consists of 2 twisted strands of 12 ½ gauge galvanized steel wire with a 2-point or more barb pattern spaced 5 inches apart. Generally, these wires are attached to metal T-posts set in the ground 10-20 feet apart with one or more stays between posts. Barbed wire fences are effective at restraining livestock and if properly designed can be permeable to most wildlife.