Feed / Stand-Off Pads
A feed/stand-off pad is a designated hard surface area, often located near the dairy shed, specifically designed for feeding supplements and/or loafing of cattle. It serves as a reliable off-paddock solution, ensuring cattle have a consistent area to feed, irrespective of weather conditions.
Pros of Building a Permanent Feed Pad
Pros:
Streamlines the feeding process.
Reduces pasture damage and maintenance costs.
Minimizes feed wastage.
NZ dairy farms adopt advanced stand-off pads to enhance sustainability. Farmers integrate improved designs that reduce mud and manure buildup for better cow comfort. They use effluent systems to cut nitrate leaching by up to 55%. Covered pads now include ventilation to manage heat stress, aligning with DairyNZ guidelines.
Farmers improve pasture utilisation by standing cows off during wet conditions, increasing regrowth rates. They enhance nitrogen fixation in soils by minimising pugging. Pads reduce overland flow and phosphorus runoff for healthier waterways.
Farmers achieve better animal welfare, cutting injury risks in confined herds.
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Options: Roof or no roof?
Choosing between a roofed or open feed pad depends on your farm’s specific needs. While an open feed pad is more cost effective, a roofed variant offers shelter from the elements, ensuring cow comfort year-round. Additionally, a roof eliminates rainfall-related effluent issues.
For some farms, expanding the size of the effluent pond can be a viable and economical alternative to roofing the feed pad. This approach can effectively manage the additional runoff without incurring the significant costs associated with constructing a roof.
Options: Surfaces
Different surfacing options cater to varying needs
Materials like straw and woodchips are comfortable but require regular maintenance and replacement.
Durable, easy to clean, and provides a comfortable surface for the cattle. Ideal for use with scrapers or flood wash systems.
Success Stories
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Get Our 'No Fluff' Off Paddock Systems Guide
Quickly understand and compare all major off-paddock systems with our comprehensive, one-page guide. It covers:
- Cost per cow
- Cleaning system compatibility
- Surface options
- Area requirements per cow
- Pros and cons of each system
- Equipment needed
- Loafing time
- Daily and weekly labour needs
Cut through the noise and get the clear insights you need to make an informed choice.
NumatAGRI: Tailored Systems for Your Farm
We don’t just bring a catalogue; we bring a commitment to understanding your unique needs.
With our design and construction expertise, we’ll help you visualize your project with 3D designs and provide transparent costings.
If you’d like to discuss options with one of our consultants, fill out this form.