Uncovered Stand-off Facility Design and Management

The objective is to determine key features of success for building and managing uncovered stand–off pads on NZ dairy farms, and determine an inventory of surface materials available that meet the required industry standards.

Specifically this includes; effluent capture, animal welfare and food safety, cost, availability of suitable materials, surface replacement policies, regulatory approval and management guidelines.

The opportunity is to improve an already widespread practice, make it more cost effective while safe-guarding cow welfare and reducing nutrients loss from dairy farms.

Expected outcomes of this project

Benefit

Lower stand-off pad construction and maintenance costs and improved sourcing of materials

Through effective use of stand-off facilities there will be improved pasture growth (one pugging event reduces pasture growth by 50% for up to 55 days) resulting in increased milk solids production and farm income; improved N fixation by white clover (60% reduction in N fixation from clover occurs one month after a moderate pugging event); and lower fertiliser costs through recycling captured nutrients

Through effective use of stand-off facilities there will be less loss of nutrient to waterways; more effective use of facilities and animals spending less time on pasture during high risk periods

Establishing best practice construction and use of stand-off facilities will safeguard animal welfare and mitigate ethical concerns surrounding their use.