This type of sheltered system flooring improves cleanup and reduces the build-up of solids and the daily labor normally needed for handling. The materials used and slat direction and spacing depend on the type of livestock. The barn is designed so that animals deposit most manure near the gutter so that a minimum of manual scraping is needed to keep the building clean. Manure collection gutters are most common in dairy barns where cows are confined to stanchions. Front-end loaders are merely typical tractor loaders with several thousand pounds of carrying capacity.
Smaller loaders are easier to steer and can clean in tight cramped areas.
Larger self-propelled industrial loaders are used in open feedlots to move stacked manure where traction is poor. Some can carry over 5000 pounds.