Deep litter vs slatted floor systems: Which one is better?

Deep litter vs slatted floor systems which one would be best for your chicken?

To say the least, it is not an easy choice. That is because you’ve to consider many factors into the comparison. Furthermore some of those factors may be beyond your control.

For instance, market perception and demand, and applicable poultry farming regulations may affect your choice. They are nonetheless factors beyond you.

Deep litter vs slatted floor systems defined

Deep litter system

In a deep litter housing system, litter from birds is allowed to accumulate on the floor, which is the living surface. Initially, bedding material such as saw dust or wood shavings covers the ground. Since the flock lives in the space, it accumulates litter. Consequently, this forms a deep litter which the system is named after.

Slated floor / Wired floor system

In a slatted floor or wired floor housing system, birds are kept on meshed floors that are placed above the ground. This system keeps birds out of contact with the ground. Since the slatted or wired mesh serves as the living space, no bedding material is required. Slatted floors allow litter to drop through thereby maintaining a clean living surface for the birds.

Deep litter vs slatted floor systems compared

The following is not a comprehensive deep litter vs slatted floor poultry systems comparison. In any case, it is very basic and assumes that you’ve a good knowledge of poultry systems.

	Deep litter system	Slated floor system
System classification	Intensive	Intensive
Capital requirements	Low	High
Land requirements	Small	Small
Living surface	Floor	Slatted floor
Feed conversion ratio (FCR)	Applicable	Applicable
Scientific method effectiveness	High	High
Biosecurity effectiveness	High	High
		Better air quality, Reduced ammonia levels Minimized risk of footpad lesions
Disease risk	Footpad lesions / dermatitis Coccidiosis
Labor needs	Medium	High
		Requires regular floor cleaning
Animal welfare perception	Medium	Medium
Produce perception	Conventional	Conventional

Since we intend to update this comparison in the future, let us know if we missed something or if there is something we can add.