It is also used to make grates used to cover gutters behind dairy cow stalls. Slotted floors made of wood are limited to smaller animals such as veal calves, and sheep. Construction has a low initial cost but also a short life span of 2-4 years. Oak is the best wood to use for the slats although hickory or hard maple are also possibilities. Wood tends to be porous and is more difficult to sanitize between animal groups than steel, plastic or concrete.
Solid manure is a combination of urine, bedding, and feces with little or no extra water added.
It is usually found in loafing barns, calving pens, and open lots with good drainage.