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...
What fruits can Kune Kune pigs eat?
Kune Kune pigs will eat all kinds of fruit including strawberries, banana peels, apples and peels, oranges, berries, apricots, peaches, and pears. Fruit should not make up the majority of their diet but should also include grains and grasses. I have noticed that Kune Kunes don’t like citrus peels.
What do kunekune pigs need?
Kunes need a maximum of 16% protein, and by preference a little less. They also need much more fibre than commercial pigs. Kunekune pigs live on grass and vegetables in summer, in autumn this can be supplemented with apples.
What do you feed a Kune Kune?
In the winter when the grass loses its goodness 1 lb. of 16% protein sow and weaner meal mixed with 1 lb. grass pellets and water in to a hot mash can be given. This amount will vary with the condition of the pigs. There is a Pot Bellied pig food on the market that is suitable for Kunes.
What is a kune kune pig?
KuneKune pigs are a mid-size pig weighing 200-400 pounds (boars would be on the higher end and females on the lower end) and 24-36 inches tall. This is usually about to your knee. (Of course, this can vary depending on how much you feed them.) Kune Kune means“fat and round” in the Maori language and that is exactly what they are!
What do you feed a Kunekune?
Kunes eat standard 15-17% protein pig pellets. (These are NOT mini pigs. Do not feed mini pig food.) Best practice is to halve the amounts below (which are recommended by the NZ Kunekune Society) and feed half in the morning and half at night.
How much hay should I feed my Kunekune?
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.
What can you not feed a Kunekune?
They should not eat rotten or moldy food. Raw meat and raw eggs should never be fed to swine. Feeding raw meat to pigs can transfer diseases such as foot and mouth disease. Eating raw eggs can interfere with the biotin absorption of pigs.
How often do Kunekune piglets eat?
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. The feed should be divided into two feeds a day and could be served in a trough or scattered in their enclosure.
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 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.
Can KuneKune pigs eat table scraps?
We don't ever throw away any food scraps anymore. It all goes in a stainless steel pale that we take out to our KuneKunes every day. Most of those food scraps consist of various vegetable peels and leftovers. KuneKunes can eat all vegetables including, celery, potatoes, tomatoes, and lettuce.
Can KuneKune pigs eat apples?
Kunekune pigs live on grass and vegetables in summer, in autumn this can be supplemented with apples.
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.
Can KuneKune pigs eat only 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 should a pig not eat?
Aside from a commercial pig feed, pigs can eat cooked meats, animal byproducts, dairy products, grains, and a variety of fruits and vegetables. Pigs cannot, however, eat raw meat or raw eggs, high-sodium junk food, rotten or rancid food, or specific fruits and vegetables that prove toxic to swine.
How do you keep KuneKune pigs warm in the winter?
Fill the shelters with straw or hay bedding to keep them warm during the winter months. Five or six fully grow KuneKune Pigs can fit easily in the A-frame shelters and remain toasty warm. Watering their pigs is the "scary" part of winter maintenance for most folks.
What do kunekune pigs eat?
Kunekune pigs do very well on a diet of grass, fresh fruit, and vegetables. They are different from commercial pigs in that they do not need high levels of protein. Kunes need around 16% protein, and in comparison, it is quite less. The fiber requirement is also much more than commercial pigs. Kunekune pigs do well on grass ...
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 do kunekunes need?
This ensures your pigs are getting all the essential vitamins and minerals. Kunekunes are a grass foraging pig ...
How much should a 4 month old pig eat?
Youngsters up to 4 months old get should be fed up to a 12-ounce scoop of food per day. Observe your pig from starting point and adjust the diet as per their growth. A 4-8-month-old Kunes might eat 1.5-2 scoops. I’d say that adults eat around 1-1.5 scoops per day when in optimal condition.
How much water should a pig drink a day?
Pigs must be fed twice a day when needing to be supplemented, and have easy access to clean drinking water. Adult sows can drink up to 5-litres of water a day during lactation, predominantly during hot weather.
Can you use kitchen waste on pigs?
This means any kitchen leftovers, such as fruit and vegetable peels or pet food, cannot be provided to your pigs.
Is a Kunekune pig overweight?
They are not overweight, nor are they structurally strained. Kunekune pigs vary in size and growth rates and there are no guarantees that a piglet out of fast-growing parents will also have fast growth. But there’s an increased likelihood, especially if properly and amply fed.
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.
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.
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.
How much protein do kune pigs need?
Kunes need a maximum of 16%. protein, and by preference a little less. They also need much more fibre than commercial. pigs. Kunekune pigs live on grass and vegetables in summer, in autumn this can. be supplemented with apples.
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.
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.
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 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 ...
Do kune pigs eat grass?
The best part is since they have upturned noses they won’t root up your lawn or pasture. A majority of KuneKunes diet is made up of grass and fresh greens.
Can Kune eat bread?
Kune Kunes can eat all bread products and other grains. Bread has great nutrition for Kune Kunes. Instead of throwing out moldy bread or bread scraps feed them to your Kune Kunes. As much as I hate throwing out bread it is good to know that our Kune Kunes will thoroughly enjoy it.
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 is the main thing about Kunekune pigs?
The main thing with KuneKune pigs is having a warm hay or straw bedded house in the winter months that is draft-free. It can be an elaborate house or a simple calf hut. Whatever suits your budget.
What is Kunekune pig?
Kathy Petersen – KuneKune pigs are making their way into small-scale farming operations across the country. You may ask yourself what makes these pigs so special … the simple answer is everything! This breed is extremely friendly, docile, and easy to handle. First-time pig farmers are just amazed at how easy they truly are.
What are Kunekune pigs called?
Breed Characteristic. Unlike most other breeds, KuneKune pigs have wattles. They are called Piri Piri in their original land of New Zealand. These are similar to goat wattles and hang just under the jowl. They are born with and without wattles. The inheritance of these wattles appears to have no rhyme or reason.
What to feed pigs in winter?
You may need to supplement in the winter with alfalfa hay and/or alfalfa pellets and a mini pig pellet food such as Blue Seal Pig & Sow, Purina Complete Pig and Sow food, or Purina Nature’s Match. The feed can be found at your local feed and seed store or a local Tractor Supply.
What kind of pigs are good for free range?
If you’re looking to start free-range pig farming, look no further than KuneKune pigs. They are easy on the environment and prefer grass instead of rooting up the earth. They are made to graze with a short snout, unlike other breeds making them very efficient grazing machines.
What is the temperament of a Kunekune pig?
Temperament. KuneKune pigs are very easy-going and social creatures. They will run to greet you when they hear you come to the pastures. They enjoy human interaction and will plop for a belly rub at a moment’s notice. They are fantastic with chickens, ducks, goats, cats, and dogs.
How big are Kunekune pigs?
Size. KuneKune pigs are mid-size pigs weighing 200-400 pounds (boars would be on the higher end and females on the lower end) and 24-36 inches tall. This is usually about to your knee. (Of course, this can vary depending on how much you feed them.)
How many kunekune pigs are there in New Zealand?
They have done an excellent job and there are now over 1000 pigs in New Zealand. Kunekune pigs vary from 24" to 30" high and weigh between 140-220 lbs. They are covered in long hair, which can be straight, wavy or curly. There is a wide range of colours, from cream through gold, tan and brown to black. They also come in a variety of spotty ...
Where did the Kunekune Pig come from?
The Kunekune pig comes from New Zealand. How they got there is a mystery as they are not indigenous to that country. They were kept by the Maoris for meat, living not in enclosures, but free to scavenge around the houses. This probably explains their love of humans and excellent temperament. In 1976 things were looking desperate for ...
Why do pigs need to be wallowed?
Pigs need to wallow in summer to keep cool and prevent sunburn. You can either keep an area moist so they can turn it into mud or provide a metal wallow bath. If you do not provide a wallow they will often knock over their water in an effort to create one themselves. They only like mud when they are hot.
How to move a pig from one premise to another?
To move any pig from one premise to another you require a movement licence. Failure to do this will result in a very heavy fine. You must also keep a book with all pig movements listed in it. Another book listing medications given must be kept if you are going to use pigs for meat.
What is the name of the tassels on a pig's chin?
They also come in a variety of spotty colours. An interesting feature is they have a pair of tassels under their chin called Piri Piri. They have a medium to short head with either prick or semi lop ears.
Can you keep pigs in your house?
Yes. You may need planning permission, check with your local council. Some house deeds say that you cannot keep pigs or poultry. If you have close neighbours it is much better to talk to them before you get a pig than to fall out with them afterwards, or even to have to get rid of the pig.
Do kunes cut the land up?
Because of their small size they do not cut the land up as much as larger pigs.