Dairy cows have been used by humans for thousands of years for their milk and meat, were domesticated around 8,500 years ago and were introduced to New Zealand around 1814. From Cows then made a huge impact on the economy and the production of meat and dairy products. There are approximately 1.3 billion cows in the world today. Allowed to live naturally, they live between 15 and 20 years. To live and produce good milk, dairy cows need fresh grass and air. They work best living in open areas in small packs, as this allows them to be relaxed and keep reasonably fit. “Dairy cattle at all stages of their lives require adequate food to maintain satisfactory health, vigor, growth, production and reproduction… Providing an adequate supply of water is critical to maintaining health and well-being of dairy cattle. The way in which daily water needs are supplied varies from one farm to another. Different classes of dairy cattle have wide variations in water requirements throughout the year which, if not adequately met, can lead to a rapid deterioration in animal health and welfare. "- Dairy Cattle Welfare Code published under the Animal Welfare Act 2010. They were used for both meat and milk, however, farmers found that specializing them and growing larger udders would be more of an advantage in production of milk 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 (average per person) Over the years New Zealand dairy cows have thrived in the climate and now the New Zealand-owned dairy company, Fontera, is one of the largest companies in the world of well-being with dairy products... middle of paper......Mastitis, 1 syringe costs around $15 usd This syringe can only serve 1 cow and although it is effective it in turn involves high costs, however it is essential for the health of the animal as stated in the 2010 Animal Welfare Code. Animal welfare is a policy issue that continues to emerge and in 2010, the Dairy Cattle Welfare Code was renewed and numerous requirements were added different: food, water, environment and medicine. Given that New Zealand is supposed 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 farming and with emerging plans for intensive dairy farming in the Mackenzie, this issue was raised by the Green Party. There is currently an ongoing policy review into the price of milk and whether they are "ripping off" the people of New Zealand.