The 80 cows at Wapse farm are getting pampered with massages and comfy mattresses while some are lucky enough to get a water bed. Farmer Nancy Vermeer said: "The cows have to be happy. If they're not, they won't give milk.

"Our cows used to lie on concrete but now they have mattresses made of soft rubber with a covering of sawdust which they prefer. Water beds are available but these can be very expensive. If a person is unwell their breath can smell, so I personally think you can taste the difference in the milk of a happy cow. It tastes sweeter."

Nancy's farm supplies ice-cream maker Ben and Jerry's who came up with the idea as part of the 'Caring Dairy' initiative. Ben & Jerry's co-founder, Jerry Greenfield said: "Comfy cows are happy cows."

But is the meat any better?

I deserve to be spoilt; I'm in a burger next week.

The original was here.