Barbed Wire was fencing material which was made out of twisted wire with spaced coiled barbs. It turned the open plains of the West into enclosed pastures and forever changed the society and economy of the region.
Barbed wire was the invention of Illinois farmer Joseph Farwell Glidden who received his patent in November 24, 1874.
Ranchers could now isolate their cattle and control breeding. It is still used today in everything from cattle ranching to horse paddocks and general enclosure applications. It is not a particularly safe material to use around live animals since their hides can get caught on the sharp bartbs.