Something that is a staple in our barn and show setup are these mats with holes. Although it seems minor, we feels these mats make a huge difference when compared to matts without holes.
Why We Like Mats
We use these mats in the stall at a show or tie rail in the barn. This helps stop cattle from pawing and tearing up the bedding and working their way down to the concrete.
We really like them in the back of the stall too for the same reason.
After rinsing, we bring the calf into the stall to dry, roto brush, work hair. If we’re at the show we’re clipping and fitting — sometimes for a couple hours. The mats keep them on top of the cedar fiber or bedding, not down in it.
Why We Like The Holes
There’s a few reasons why we like the mats with holes better than solid mats:
- Drainage: When you bring a calf back from the wash rack that’s wet, the water will start to pool around their feet if you don’t have a mat with holes. This allows the water to drain through the mats. This also is the same with urine.
- Cattle stand squarer: The holes allow cattle to have a better grip when standing and, in turn, they stand more square. Cattle that have a tendency to stand with their toes turned out a little – solid mats amplify this and over long periods of time can actually make it worse.
- Hybrid bedding: We love to take our cedar, or whatever bedding you are using, and work a thin layer over the mat and into the holes. This creates a stronger mat and is more comforable for your calf to stand and lay on.
Not For The Wash Rack
We don’t like to use these mats on the wash rack. We prefer a solid mat on top of concrete for the wash rack. Because there is not bedding to be worked down into the holes, this doesn’t make the mat as strong and the cattle end up tearing them up. They also collect hair and manure inside the holes and make it difficult for you to rinse down your wash rack.
These mats help calves stay comfortable and keep your stalls cleaner. Whether you’re prepping for show day or just getting in the hours of hair work in at home, mats with holes are simply better.
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