Page "Agricultural fencing" Paragraph 20

Smooth ( or plain ) wire is essentially the same product as barbed wire with no barbs – either a two-wire twist or a single strand.

Its primary advantage is that it is less likely to cause lacerations and cuts if an animal becomes entangled in it or rubs against it.

However, animals will readily lean on mild steel smooth wire, stretching it out of shape or loosening it from the posts, and for this reason it is often used in high-tensile form, which more easily springs back to its original length.

Smooth wire fencing is often used as an inexpensive material to safely contain horses and other animals that run a high risk of entanglement, usually in conjunction with a line of electric fence.

Smooth wire is also used in securing fence-post braces and other uses where barbed wire is not recommended