What is the Optimal Diet for Kunekune Pigs?
- · Fresh produce is given as available
- · Fruits are limited
- · Eggs are an occasional treat
- · Alfalfa cubes, alfalfa hay, alfalfa pellets are used when pasture is scarce
- · All pigs get high-quality horse hay as bedding
- · Beet pulp is great as a filler, to add bulk and fiber to the diet of a pig who you want to lose weight without...
- Kunes thrive on a diet of grass, fresh fruit and vegetables. ...
- Scraps of waste human food must never be fed to pet pigs. ...
- As Kunes thrive on grass it is very important that they have enough grazing for most of the year. ...
- If you have a stable Kunes will do very well with a thick straw bed in the corner of it.
What do kunekune pigs eat?
With that being said, your pig’s core diet for your Kunekune pig should consist of a completely balanced feed, high-quality hay, pasture/produce/alfalfa pellets or cubes, fodder, etc. A good combination for Kunekune pigs is Nutrena Country Feeds 16% grower pellet along with a local mash with added vitamins, minerals, and increased lysine.
How do you take care of a Kunekune pig?
Pigs should be fed twice a day when needing to be supplemented, and have ready access to clean water. Adult sows can drink up to 5 litres of water a day during lactation, particularly during hot weather. Creep feed is not normally provided for Kunekune piglets unless the sow is not producing sufficient milk.
Is a Kunekune a good breed of pig to raise?
Kunekune pigs are generally smaller than many other kinds of pigs. This means that they require smaller pens and shelters than some other breeds. If you want to raise a little meat for your family, but you don’t eat tons of pork, Kunekune might be the perfect choice. Additionally, smaller families might find the Kunekune to be a great fit.
What do you feed your Kune Kune's?
Celery ends, potatoes peels, cucumbers, and bad lettuce are all vegetables we have fed our Kune Kunes and they really pig out. Feel free to feed them any and all vegetables because they will love it. One time one of our Kune Kunes got in our garden and ate a bunch our winter squash and pumpkins.
What can you not feed a Kunekune pig?
Salt can be toxic to pigs since they do not have sweat glands. Most plants in your garden can be fed except unripened tomatoes, raw potatoes, raw sweet potatoes (sweet potatoes are fine but they absorb more protein when cooked), parsnips, celery, celery root, parsley, onions, avocado pits,, and rhubarb.
What should I feed my piglet?
Good pig feed contains sufficient energy, protein, minerals and vitamins. Rice bran, broken rice, maize, soya-beans, cassava, vegetables and distillers' residues are often used in pig feed. Distillery waste is much appreciated in traditional pig husbandry, especially for pigs.
Can Kunekune pigs eat alfalfa pellets?
Your core diet for your Kunekune pig should consist of a complete balanced feed, high quality hay, pasture/produce/alfalfa pellets or cubes, fodder, etc.
Do Kunekune pigs eat grass?
They will still eat grass, but they won't thrive on it. The only way you can have a herd that thrives on grass is to basically breed them for it on your own farm.
What do 3 week old piglets eat?
A young piglet needs a diet of warm milk fed in increments of every 30-60 minutes during the day and every 4-6 hours at night. As the piglets grow, they can be fed less frequently, and most piglets are fully weaned by the time they are 4-8 weeks old.
What age do piglets start eating?
Most piglets are weaned between three and four weeks of age, which is very soon after birth, but until now the most economical solution.
Can Kunekune pigs eat sweet feed?
We feed pellets twice a day. I usually mix some soaked beet pulp with some sow/pig pellets and a little scratch and sweet feed. They love it.
How much do you feed a Kunekune Piglet?
How much feed does a Kunekune pig need? Kunekunes should be provided with approximately 1-2% of their body weight in pelleted feed alongside free access to grass or hay. The feed should be split into two feeds a day and could be provided in a trough or scattered in their paddock.
Can Kunekune pigs eat raw potatoes?
Pigs can eat potatoes and can use it as a good source of energy. However, potatoes fed to pigs would either have to be cooked or dried. Otherwise, it can potentially cause some stomach issues.
Do KuneKune pigs Need grain?
FOOD. Kunekunes require 1/7 to 1/4 the amount of grain of standard pigs, but they do still need some grain in combination with their grazing to make sure their diet is complete. This is especially true of young (birth through one year), pregnant, and lactating pigs.
Do KuneKune pigs need a companion?
Absolutely! KuneKune's love other animals and often will play and interact with them. If you can not have 2 pigs at least plan to have another animal companion for your pig. Always separate animals during the birthing process so that the momma has a chance to bond with her baby or babies.
Are alfalfa pellets good for pigs?
Alfalfa also contains tannins and sapponins— anti-nutritional factors that reduce the growth rate of pigs. Alfalfa can be a valuable feed for dry sows, but less so for younger pigs. Sows have a greater capacity for fermentation in the hindgut that allows for greater fiber digestion and improved energy utilization.
What do 2 week old piglets eat?
Offer piglet pellets -- those designed for baby pigs, not adults -- at about 3 1/2 weeks old. Give them a pan of fresh water and still offer milk. It might take them a while to get over the frustration of not being hand-fed as much, but they'll soon catch on to the pellets.
How often do you feed a piglet?
Nursing Takes Commitment By the age of 1 week, piglets need feeding every 3 to 4 hours. If you want to get some sleep, most week-old piglets will be fine with a midnight feeding followed by one at 6 a.m. At 2 weeks, feed piglets four times a day.
How much should you feed a piglet?
Rules of thumb in determining feed costs: 1. The average amount that your pig will grow each day is between 1.7 and 2.0 pounds. 2. The average amount of feed your pig will consume each day is between 5 and 7 pounds per day.
What should you not feed pigs?
It's ok to feed pigs uncontaminated fruits, vegetables, bread, grains, dairy, eggs, and vegetable oils. Do not feed pigs meat, fish, or their bones, oils, or juices, or ANY food that has touched these substances.
When do piglets start eating?
Piglets start eating grain as early as 1 week old, they follow their mom out and will mouth the grain. By 3 to 4 weeks old they are fighting their mom for food. When they are weaned at 8 weeks they are getting 1/2 cup twice a day and fresh fruit and veggies. These are rough estimates for growing piglets. All piglets will grow at different rates and food needs to be adjusted accordingly.
How to help a pig with fat blindness?
If your pig is getting fat blindness, make sure you are feeding a quality feed. Do not feed kunekune's "All Stock" or any type of feed that is for other animals. Our veterinarian said the #1 reason she see's health issues in livestock is from "All Stock" feed. Then if you are feeding a good quality grain, cut back on treats and fruit. Still feed veggies and they can get hay and graze. If you are still having issues, take your pig to a veterinarian to make sure nothing else is going on.
Can kunekunes fatten?
Kunekunes can fatten on pasture grazing alone. If you do supplement with grain make sure it is 16% or lower in protein. I used the feed store's brand "Bryant" 14% Hog Finisher twice a day. I have recently switched to Purina's Pig & Sow from Tractor Supply. It is a 16% feed and I've noticed it helps reduce the tear discharge from their eyes. Depending on the size of the pig and how much pasture they are getting I adjust the amount.
What treats can you feed your Kunekune pig?
Fruits and vegetables can be given to your pigs as extra treats. These additional treats should be provided between meals to keep your pigs engaged. As with any delicacy, the quantity fed should be kept to a minimum and should be subtracted from their daily allowance of feed.
How to feed KuneKune Pigs?
First, let me say that grazing is extremely important for this breed. So important that as my herd grew we purchased another farm so that we could provide our pigs with more grazing. In Virginia, grazing is not available all year long.
What is Kunekune pig’s diet?
Due to their sweet nature and miniature size, Kunekune pigs make the ideal addition to your farm or ranches. These pigs originate from New Zealand and the number of people keeping them as pets is increasing.
How much feed do Kunekune pigs need?
Kunekunes should be given approximately 1-2% of their body weight in pelleted form along with free access to grass or hay.
What do Kunekune eat?
KuneKune means “fat and round” and our KuneKunes eat not only Blue Seal Pig and Sow and Hydroponic Barley but, lots of fruits and veggies as well.
What are the feeding rules for a Kunekune pig?
But first, some feeding rules to live by…. 1. Kunekune pigs are not ruminants but omnivores. 2. Your growing pig needs more food and nutrition than adult Kunes. 3. Your growing pig’s body condition in its first year of life should be round but not too chubby. 4.
What is the best food for a kunekunes?
They incline to hold on to their weight, so they need high fiber and low protein pig feed such as for a Pot-bellied Pig Food. A complete feed from Pot-Bellied Pig Food is balanced enough for the daily feed of your Kunes. This ensures your pigs are getting all the essential vitamins and minerals.
How much feed does a Kunekune pig need?
Kunekunes should be provided with approximately 1-2% of their body weight in pelleted feed alongside free access to grass or hay. The feed should be split into two feeds a day and could be provided in a trough or scattered in their paddock. Scattering the pellets allows your pigs to exhibit natural foraging behaviour and could help extend feeding time.
How many pigs per acre for kunekunes?
Due to their natural grazing and rooting behaviour, Kunekunes require adequate space to roam. Recommendations are for 4-6 pigs per acre, however, it may be beneficial to look at dividing up the land to allow for pasture rotation and the introduction of hard standing areas and shelters on the land to help prolong the grazing available.
Why do pigs need water?
Along with providing a balanced feed, pigs should have free access to clean water and the ability to roam. Water helps with hydration and maintaining their body temperature, especially in warm weather when they will enjoy wallowing.
Where did Kunekune pigs come from?
Due to their sweet temperament and smaller size, Kunekune pigs make the ideal addition to your smallholding. These pigs originated from New Zealand and the numbers of people keeping them as pets are increasing.
Can pigs eat fruit?
Fruits and vegetables can be provided to your pigs as an additional treat. These additions should be provided between meals to keep your pigs occupied. As with any treat, the amount fed should be kept to a minimum and should come off their daily allowance of feed. Following the 2001 Foot and Mouth outbreak, legislation is in place making it illegal to use kitchen waste. This means any kitchen scraps, such as fruit and vegetable peelings or pet food, cannot be provided to your pigs.
What do Kunekune pigs eat?
Kunes thrive on a diet of grass, fresh fruit and vegetables. They differ from commercial
When do we rotate pigs?
We rotate our pigs through nine pastures, moving them every time we rotate our goats during the Spring and Summer. Depending on the quality and quantity of pasture available you may need to supplement. We supplement our pigs with soy meal mostly in the Winter.
Can Kunekunes root?
Grass fed only the KuneKunes stay slimer and their snout length seems to get longer. He believes that happens to they can root. Remember a short upturned snout is not prone to rooting. The longer snouts are much more effective at being able to turn the earth and eat the roots of the grass and to discover grubbs.
Can you give a pig a hot mash?
a hot mash can be given. This amount will vary with the condition of the pigs. There
Do piglets need grain?
While your piglets or younger pigs are developing it is essential that they are provided with grain to develop and mature correctly. My husband said it best when he said, “if you do not feed your KuneKune correctly, God will provide for it”. I totally get what he is saying.
What vegetables do kune kunes eat?
Celery ends, potatoes peels, cucumbers, and bad lettuce are all vegetables we have fed our Kune Kunes and they really pig out.
What can Kunekunes eat?
KuneKunes can eat all vegetables including, celery, potatoes, tomatoes, and lettuce.
Why do pigs slop the hogs?
If you have ever heard the phrase “slop the hogs” its because pigs love eating leftovers and food scraps. There are only a few things that I will never feed my KuneKunes and things I have noticed that they don’t like. So lets discuss what KuneKunes can and should not eat. Kune Kunes are omnivores meaning like people their diet can consist ...
What is the habitat of a Kune Kunes?
Kune Kunes like other pig breeds natural habitat is forest. Tree nuts like acorns made up a big part of their diets. Kune Kunes love eating acorns and while they are toxic to humans without being properly processed pigs can eat and digest them fine.
What do foxes eat in the fall?
In the spring, summer and fall they will eat lots of fresh grass or pasture and durning the winter time they can eat grass hay or alfalfa hay.
What fruits do they pick in Arizona?
Every winter we go to Arizona and pick boxes and boxes of citrus including oranges, lemons and grapefruit.
Do Kunekunes eat fruit?
Since we feed our Kunekunes table scraps they often get fruit. I have never seen them not eat fruit when given to them.
Kunekune Pigs
In addition to helping with pasture management, Kunekune pigs are popular in non-farming circles as pets. These pigs have oodles of personality. They are friendly, calm, and curious. They are very smart and always want to see what the humans are up to.
Qualities of Kunekune Pork
Kunekune pork is drastically different from the pork that you find in stores. The meat is dark red and richly marbled, leading to moist and tender meat. Many times the chops and pork steaks resemble beef more than pork. The meat has a sweet flavor due to the grass based diet of the Kunekune.
Raising Kunekune Hogs for Pork
Because Kunekune pigs are such great grazers, they are a great choice for homestead pigs. While many breeders do give their young pigs a bit of grain during their growing years, it is a relatively small amount, like 2 cups per day per pig.
Are Kune Kune Pigs Right for You?
Some things to consider before raising Kunekune pigs and other pigs — and any livestock for meat — are:
Housing and Fencing Kunekune Pigs
Kunekune pigs need about a quarter acre of pasture per adult pig. This means that you can have four or five pigs per acre. Rotating pastures will keep the pigs from overgrazing the fields. The pigs will be more likely to root and test fences if their fields are overgrazed. Foraging keeps the pigs happy and intellectually stimulated.
Breeding Kunekune Pigs
Usually around the age of 8 months, Kunekune boars reach sexual maturity. However, they will not be fully fertile until they are a year old. A Kunekune gilt may begin cycling around six months old. However, they do not need to breed until they are 10 months old.
Characteristics to Consider When Breeding
There are certain characteristics to consider. The ideal breeding gilt has the following attributes:
What do pigs eat in the winter?
In the warm months our pigs graze pasture which makes up about 80% of their diet. In the winter when we're up on snow pack we feed hay to replace the pasture. Alfalfa hay is probably the best but not available to us. We use hay mostly of grass, a little clover.
How often do I feed my alfalfa hay?
Twice a day - I feed mine alfalfa hay. They seem to love oat straw too.