Types of Slatted Floors in Pig Farms and How to Choose

In modern pig production, slatted floors over manure channels are widely used to keep pens clean, improve the environment, and reduce manual cleaning. Requirements for slatted floors: corrosion-resistant, non-deforming, flat and non-slip surface, low thermal conductivity, strong and durable, effective manure drainage, and easy to flush and disinfect. Slot widths must suit pigs of different ages so animals can walk and stand without hooves getting stuck. Common materials include reinforced concrete panels, metal mesh (woven or welded),plastic floor, cast iron floor, and ceramic floor.

Concrete Slatted Floors
Most common in breeding/gestation houses and grower/finisher houses; available as panels or strips. Concrete is low-cost and durable but requires strict manufacturing control and concrete grades that meet design specifications.

Cast-Iron Slatted Floors
Made from cast iron or metal strips woven into a grid. Larger open area allows smooth manure flow and reduces clogging; surfaces are non-slip and keep pens cleaner and drier. Widely used at sow place of farrowing stalls.

Plastic Slatted Floors
Made by molding engineering plastics. They are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, easy to assemble/disassemble, durable, and warmer than concrete or metal. However, they can be slippery and may be unstable for heavy pigs, so they are best suited for nursery pens or piglet activity areas in farrowing pens.

Temperature-Controlled Floors
These heated floors (water-based or electric) are flat panels cast with cementitious material around a heat-exchange framework and include inlet/outlet ports to connect to water or heating systems, facilitating mobility and installation.

BMC Composite Slatted Panels
New-type panels pressed from unsaturated resin, low-shrink additives, various fiber materials, and a rebar frame. Features include high strength, no damage to sow teats or pig hooves, water resistance, acid corrosion resistance, anti-aging, non-stick manure, easy cleaning, no need for transverse beams, light weight, and convenient transport.