Consider the following before you finalise your design:
- Frequency of use – the more you plan to use this area, the softer the surface and the larger the area has to be
- Surface type – cows like soft and dry surfaces that are not slippery – see the table below
- Area per cow –a minimum of 3 m2 per cow is recommended so cows can lie down comfortably
- Time on the pad – softer surfaces are best for longer periods, hard surfaces make cows reluctant to lie down
- Design of the base – good drainage is essential
- Effluent disposal – all effluent and run off from this area needs to be captured. Can your existing system handle it?
No matter what surface you use, consider drainage and effluent capture
Comparison of surfaces for loafing and stand-off areas
Surface | Benefit | Factor to consider | Management tip |
Concrete | Durable, easy to clean | Cows prefer not to lie on concrete, risk of hoof damage, can be slippery | Could use rubber matting to soften surface |
Woodchips | Warm, free draining, cows lie down sooner, low chance of slipping, reduced stress and lameness | Availability of wood chips, may need to change frequently | Soiled woodchips can be composted or incorporated into ploughed soils |
Sand | Easy to clean, cheap if locally available | Cold when wet so cows reluctant to sit, standing on sand for prolonged periods can wear hooves | Necessary to skim off top layer twice per season |
Sacrifice paddock | No capital outlay, good for short periods | Loss of grazing area, if it gets too muddy cows won’t sit. If visible from road, could cause public perception problems | Avoid paddocks near waterways or roads, choose a paddock earmarked for renovation |
Gravel laneway | Low capital outlay, cows can be kept near the dairy | Can degrade lane for future use, cows won’t lie, muddy | Choose laneways with good drainage to capture and divert effluent |
Crop | Retains soil fertility, low capital outlay, less moving of stock | Can lead to soil compaction, gets muddy quickly, can’t capture effluent | Feed a longer break so cows can lie on crop rather than mud. |