98. This is the area to which cows can have free access to stand and move about. It is commonly part of the feeding area and may be covered. The space provided per cow is important in order to allow each to express its behaviour in as natural a way as possible. This space depends on the size of the animal and must be sufficient to allow bulling behaviour as well as avoidance of dominant cows. It is essential that the area is kept clean and is not slippery. Some farmers maintain that the use of a loafing area to allow the cows to stand for at least half an hour after milking, while the teat orifice closes, may be beneficial for mastitis control. However, others have argued that this may not be necessary and that the cows may wish to lie down immediately after milking.
99. For dry cow housing, it is not uncommon for the feed trough to abut the bedded area and the total loafing and lying area is often inadequate for the size and number of stock. In many cases the feeding and loafing areas form part of the bedded area. These are major factors contributing to mastitis in early lactation and may contribute towards lameness.
100. An adequate, concreted area for loafing should be provided. There should be sufficient space for all the animals in the management group and the dimensions should be based on the average size of the largest 10% of the group. Loafing and lying areas for dry cows should provide the same space allowances and housing conditions as for milking cows.
101. Loafing areas should be, at least, partially covered to allow cows shelter in inclement weather.
102. The amount of slurry in passageways and loafing areas should be controlled by scraping at least twice daily.