Perimeter fencing with 48" mesh questions

[Dirtslinger]

I plan to pick up my 4' mesh tomorrow, to fence the perimeter. The dexters will either be held in by this perimeter, or an electric partition keeping them in certain sections. But they will always be backing onto this mesh in some way.

A few questions for you all.

1. Should the mesh be placed directly along the ground? I've heard some will put barbed wire or a hot wire below the mesh, but I'm thinking barbed wire could be dangerous, and electric beneath will short out, at least around here it will.

2. Should there be any wire weaved through the top of the mesh to be pulled tight so keep it from sagging? Is there a trick to this or is it not worth it? What gauge if it's important?

3. I plan to run a hot wire along the top of the mesh. How many inches above would be ideal, for both predators and cattle?

Thanks for your help!

[cowkeeper]

I have 4 ft heavy guage S&G fence on cedar posts. That section is well-stretched with the wire almost on the ground (originally fenced for goats). Depending on how much pressure is on the fence, you could put one strand of barbed wire near the bottom, on the inside of the posts. I have other sections with only 3 ft S&G fence, on trees and steel posts. I have a hot wire on the inside, near the top and a strand of barbed wire between the hot wire and the ground. In heavier pressure areas (barnyard or anywhere where the fence might be not so tight), I have a hot wire on 5 inch standoffs, about thigh high. Once they know the fence could sting, they are much less likely to bother fences, even the ones that are not hot. Of course, they will do whatever they can to eat under or over fences, if the pasture is inadequate.
To keep the fence from sagging, you need well-braced corners, and braced posts in between on long runs.

[agmantoo]

I find that the quality of the galvanizing on todays fencing is lacking. Therefore, I want the fence raised off the ground to prolong its life. A single run of barb wire can be placed at the ground as a sacrificial barrier. Raising the woven wire off the ground will also permit weed eating at the base of the fence to remove weeds the animals refuse to eat. The smaller the pastured area the greater the need to prevent the animals from rubbing against the woven fence. The next time I fence I plan on using a variation that is not all that common. At the base of the fence I will use the barbed wire then I will use the high tensile woven pig wire (this will contain small animals such as goats or calves). Above the woven wire I will run another single barb wire to gain height. Above that I will run a single high tensile wire that I will electrify to keep large animals and humans off. This should make a long lasting and quality fence that works without being exceptionally expensive.

[cowkeeper]

'The best laid plans o' mice and men gang aft aglee'.......my woven wire that started off touching the ground (attempt to keep coyotes out - HA they can squeeze through a 6X6 opening, jump over 4ft, or squeeze under anyway), is now inches up thanks to frost heave here in zone 5. Posts were driven not augered, but it doesnt make any difference in this heavy clay soil.
Agmantoo, your fence idea sounds perfect. I like some woven wire too because the calves will go through electric strands that would keep the cows in, and it's so wild here I don't want calves outside the fence sleeping in the bush and marsh, without the protection of their dams.