KRAIBURG espaFLEX: Rethinking slatted floors

Slatted floors are a proven construction concept in many dairy barns. At the same time, they place particular demands on animal comfort, slip resistance, cleaning and emission reduction. With espaFLEX, KRAIBURG offers an innovative slatted flooring solution that rethinks slatted floors: the system combines an animal-friendly soft walking surface that is gentle on hooves with a flexibly configurable slit pattern and reliable drainage of liquids. KRAIBURG received the Silver Innovation Award at EuroTier 2024 for this forward-looking solution.

The unique construction of espaFLEX makes it possible to flexibly configure and significantly reduce the slitted area of an existing or new slatted floor. This allows the slurry pit below to be partially covered – an important measure for reducing ammonia release.

Depending on the intensity of use, areas with varying slitted proportions can be implemented. This allows for zoning: heavily used walking areas can be designed differently from less frequently used areas. Designs ranging from a very low slitted area to drainage openings at the joints between the mats are also feasible. This allows the slitted area to be reduced to around 2 %.

Despite the reduced proportion of slits, reliable drainage of liquids is maintained. An slope of around 3 % integrated into both sides of the mat directs urine and other liquids specifically towards the drainage areas. This allows the walking surface to dry more quickly – a benefit for barn hygiene and hoof health.

The rapid drainage of urine also reduces the mixing of feces and urine on the walking area. In this way, espaFLEX helps to create the conditions for reduced ammonia formation in the barn.

Despite all the benefits for barn management and the environment, animal welfare remains the focus. The 18 - 33 mm thick rubber mat with an air-cushion profile on the underside provides consistent, hoof-friendly softness and thus creates pleasant walking comfort. The surface structure with a square pattern supports good footing and slip resistance, even in heavily used walking areas. The mats are easily fixed in the slits using proven rubber pegs.

At the same time, espaFLEX is designed for cleaning with suitable robot scrapers. This makes it possible to combine animal comfort, hygiene and the requirements of modern manure removal systems in one concept.

espaFLEX can be used with different slatted floor geometries and can also be retrofitted to renovate existing slatted floors. The system meets the requirements of DIN 3763, as confirmed by the DLG in test report 7482.

With espaFLEX, KRAIBURG offers a practical solution for dairy farms looking to further develop their slatted floors: for dry, safe and comfortable walking areas - and for a barn design that effectively combines animal welfare and environmental protection.

Further information:

Guide Rethinking slatted floors

Information on Slatted floor rethought

Product espaFLEX

Press information Dry walking areas, fewer emissions

Press information Soft walking, safe footing

Guide Healthy hooves

Guide Emission reduction

Guide Optimal walking areas

Guide Effects of lameness

Guide Hoof trimming