Information from the three-year study into standoff pads, a farm facility which helps farmers prevent pasture damage in wet weather, has been released in a new resource – Standoff pads – your essential guide to planning, design and management.
DairyNZ farm systems specialist, Chris Glassey, said the research followed eight North Island farms with standoff pads from May to August.
The Northland and Waikato farms were monitored for hours of pad use, pad stocking density, surface material deterioration and cow comfort.
“We used activity meters on cows on a standoff pad in Northland and found that the cows’ comfort levels were well-maintained over the winter period. That’s the encouraging bit, the cows liked it,” Glassey said.
“Their comfort was measured by time spent lying down.
“Cows need to lie down for at least eight hours a day and will spend time lying in the paddock, instead of grazing, if the standoff pad isn’t comfortable and with enough space.
“The key to the Northland pad’s success was designing it correctly with appropriate drainage then regularly topping up and replacing the surface material (woodchip) to create a surface the cows wanted to lie on.”
The new guidelines are designed to help farmers establish and run standoff pads which keep cows comfortable, fit with the farm system and prevent pasture damage by cows.
“Most farmers are looking for the simplest, most established methods of minimising winter and summer pasture damage,” Glassey said.
“There are new practices and knowledge gained by farmers over the years, which we have learnt from and included in the new guide.”
Glassey said the research showed pasture production could be halved for up to seven weeks after just one pugging event over winter.
About 40% of the ground was bare after moderate treading in winter and pasture took two months to recover, during which time pasture growth fell by 600kg DM/ha.
“Through pasture reduction, pugging can have an impact on milk production.”
North Island farmers wintering herds on wetter soil types and upper North Island farmers using on-off grazing to protect summer pasture were particularly likely to consider standoff pads and would find the guide useful.
“Despite standing off being around for some time, larger herds now make it more complex, bringing increased costs.
“Containment of effluent and greater requirements to meet cow comfort levels are also more important.”
Find out more or order a copy of the new guidelines at www.dairynz.co.nz/stand-off-pads
