Beef farmers using slats???

Who2

New Member
Hi, I'm new to this forum, but farming in ireland. I m surprised at the number of lads that don't seem to be using slats. I run 50 sucklers on a part time basis and wouldn't be able to manage on straw. Between bedding, mucking out, dung storage and the cost of spreading it would eat up too much time, then the cost of straw on top it just wouldn't be feasible.
 
There is no doubt that there is massive long term saving on straw if you have slatted accommodation.

However cattle on straw will do generally do better than they will on slats.

Slats can still be a better economical choice if you are in an area of the country where straw is expensive despite being less comfy than those well bedded on straw.
 

Who2

New Member
There is no doubt that there is massive long term saving on straw if you have slatted accommodation.

However cattle on straw will do generally do better than they will on slats.

Slats can still be a better economical choice if you are in an area of the country where straw is expensive despite being less comfy than those well bedded on straw.
There was a study released over here a couple of months back that compared animals in various winter housing options. They found that there was no difference in the different options on weight gain or animal thrive. I know my only issue with slats are that if you've one with a soft foot it won't be long showing it up and hence we cull all cows with bad feet.
 

Who2

New Member
I'd have thought the draft from slats, would be as much of a problem as lying on them.
I've never noticed a draft on any of the sheds. They have closed lids externally so don't really let it in under them. I presume there's a slight heat off the slurry aswell.
 
There was a study released over here a couple of months back that compared animals in various winter housing options. They found that there was no difference in the different options on weight gain or animal thrive. I know my only issue with slats are that if you've one with a soft foot it won't be long showing it up and hence we cull all cows with bad feet.

I am always sceptical about trials, too many concrete barons around to allow slats to fail on that trial ;)

It's quite easy, give cattle a choice and they will walk straight off slats onto straw to lay down, that's the trial done in my eyes.

I'm not daft enough to say that straw will always pay better, unless of course it's in abundance, but from a cattle well being point of view, a clean bed of straw wins every time, the cattle say so themselves.
 

S J H

Member
Livestock Farmer
Location
Bedfordshire
I've never noticed a draft on any of the sheds. They have closed lids externally so don't really let it in under them. I presume there's a slight heat off the slurry aswell.

I can see it being a problem, but the only experience I have of slats is in the abattoir Larage, and I won't go through the door if I can help it. (n)

I think the cost benefit would depend on the type of cattle and the feeding.
 

Cowcalf

Member
if I was going to put slats in I would go for the type where you drive underneath with loader and bring out buckets of semi solid dung. With straw at its current price and wetter milder winters it could well be the way to go
 
Location
Cleveland
got both here, was easy fix went down 1st, never put any more in, cattle are dirty and its not unusual to have some lift, not sure why, put some comfort mats in the following year, and we try to do an area every other year since.
they are slightly slippy for humans, but cattle love them
What sort of cost are the comfort mats for what sort of area covered?
 

Jonny B88

Member
Location
ballykelly. NI
got both here, was easy fix went down 1st, never put any more in, cattle are dirty and its not unusual to have some lift, not sure why, put some comfort mats in the following year, and we try to do an area every other year since.
they are slightly slippy for humans, but cattle love them

Aye you notice a big difference! Do you mat the the whole area or leave a portion left unmatted? A neighbour has some easyfix and has only 3/4 of the pen done as he heard its better for the cattle's feet.
 

Half Pipe

Member
Aye you notice a big difference! Do you mat the the whole area or leave a portion left unmatted? A neighbour has some easyfix and has only 3/4 of the pen done as he heard its better for the cattle's feet.

we original did 3 bay out of 9 that suckler calves can come and go as they please.
it was a great success, we then did a small slatted shed 3 rows 75' long.
the following summer was wet, so some young stock came in early and we put them on the mats, by turn out the following year some had long toes, not a problem for finishers, but wouldn't like feet like them on replacement hfrs.
the next bit we put down is for cows, we only did some, leaving some bare slats to keep feet wearing a bit
 

Jonny B88

Member
Location
ballykelly. NI
we original did 3 bay out of 9 that suckler calves can come and go as they please.
it was a great success, we then did a small slatted shed 3 rows 75' long.
the following summer was wet, so some young stock came in early and we put them on the mats, by turn out the following year some had long toes, not a problem for finishers, but wouldn't like feet like them on replacement hfrs.
the next bit we put down is for cows, we only did some, leaving some bare slats to keep feet wearing a bit

Yea that confirms my suspicions thanks
 

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