Caring for your cows on stand-off pads

Daily lying time declines over time to the extent that most of the herd do not achieve the recommended minimum 8 hours lying time after only 3 weeks on a stand-off pad for 18h/day. Once bedding moisture content is over 75% it is no longer an acceptable lying surface for cows. As the pad surface deteriorates, more cows will give up grazing time to lie down when on the paddock. Standoff pads need to be well maintained to protect cow lying time and welfare.