Wintering/Stand Off Pads
A Wintering Pad is a low cost, alternative method of housing cattle compared to traditional sheds/slatted units. WP's provides for an outdoor drained lying
area for cattle on a woodchip bed which is underlain by an impermeable liner (geomembrane liner). Effluent generated on the WP's drains to a slurry storage facility
such as a geomembrane lined slurry store.
Site selection is the most important decision to be made when constructing a stand-off pad. A sunny site with shelter from prevailings winds is important, however, wind
is required to dry the top of the WP. The site requires a good drainage system and should be placed near silage and an existing slurry storage system.
Minimum areas are required to ensure that each animal has comfortable space on the pad. 12.5 metres per cow is recommended if cows are eating off the pad but this
increases to 16 metres per cow if eating on the pad.
