Dairy cows have been used by humans for thousands of years for their milk and meat. They were domesticated around 8,500 years ago and were introduced to New Zealand around 1814. Since then, cows have made a huge impact on the economy and the production of meat and dairy products. Today, there are approximately 1.3 billion cows in the world. Left to live naturally, they live between 15 and 20 years. To live and produce good milk, dairy cows need fresh grass and air. They function best living in open spaces in small groups, as this allows them to be relaxed and stay reasonably fit. “At all stages of their lives, dairy cattle require adequate nutrition to maintain health, vigor, satisfactory growth, production and reproduction...Providing an adequate supply of water is essential maintaining the health and well-being of dairy cattle. How daily water needs are met varies between farms. The water requirements of different classes of dairy cattle vary considerably during the year, which, if not adequately met, can lead to rapid deterioration in animal health and welfare. » - Dairy Cattle Welfare Code issued under the Animal Welfare Act 2010. Over time, cows were used for both meat and milk, however, farmers found that specializing them and growing larger udders would be more beneficial to milk production than trying to maintain their health to produce both. In 2006, New Zealand dairy cows produced 15,000 tonnes of milk. In the same year, we drank 90.0 liters of milk, 7.1 kg of cheese and 6.3 kg of cheese (per person, on average). Over time, New Zealand dairy cows thrived in the climate and Fontera, now New Zealand Dairy, is one of the largest companies in the world. One of the major dairy-related wellness issues...... middle of paper ...... Mastitis, 1 syringe costs around $15 USD. This syringe can only be used for 1 cow and although it is effective it does incur significant costs but is essential to the health of the animal as outlined in the Animal Welfare Code 2010. Animal welfare is a political issue that continues to arise and in 2010 the dairy cattle welfare code was renewed and many different requirements were added, relating to food, water, environmental and medical. Because New Zealand is said to have the best dairy production in the world, it was important to put this code in place as we have a good reputation for natural dairy production and with plans for factory farms in the Mackenzie Basin, the issue was raised by the Green Party. Currently there is a policy review underway around the price of milk and whether it is 'ripping off' New Zealanders..