Slip-resistant walking areas in the cattle house

Animal related criteria for sufficient slip resistance:

• Animals move quickly and confidently with long steps
• show unrestrained signs of oestrus
• often lick themselves on three legs

Source: Benz, “Elastische Beläge für Betonspaltenböden in Liegeboxenlaufställen”, Germany, 2002

Tips on improving slip resistance

(independent of technical specifications)

Avoid faeces drying

• scrapers must run at least 6 - 8 times per day
• with unevenness equip the cleaning flaps with rubber lips, brushes or something similar
• for cleaning, where necessary, additionally sprinkle with water (e.g. with direct sunlight or high air change rates)
• avoid understocking (e.g. dry cows)
• with pasture grazing (temporary cow absence) clean additionally

avoid smeary faeces consistency

• very liquid faeces result from crude fibre deficiency, feed change (grazing, green fodder) or freshly lactating cows
• clean more often if possible

check claw status  

• no dirty clotted claw soles (e.g. through litter & lime / non-chopped straw as a slippery layer)
• correct claw form facilitates safe walking
• extended hoof wall and slope of the sole are important

Consideration: stressful situations can cause slipping

• entering or exiting the parlour/holding area
• running (e.g. in traffic lanes)
• adapting to a new environment /…

Harmless slipping also occurs among active animals in nature and does not make them lose confidence.

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