Kunekune Pig Basics
The following information is adapted from The American Kunekune Pig Registry.
About the breed
The Kunekune Pig (pronounced "cooney cooney") is a breed known as the "Maori Pig" having been developed by the first people of New Zealand. Being near extinction in their homeland during the 1970's, two animal preservationists, Michael Willis and John Simister, are credited with their conservation. Since that time, the breed has gained recognition on both the North and South islands of New Zealand, in Great Britain and Europe, the United States, and, most recently, in Canada. The Kunekune Pig in America is finding a serious niche market for small farms, in sustainable farming systems, for permaculture, and with chefs, charcutiers, caterers, and in home butchery.
UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS - Kunekune Pigs are relatively small in size with boars rarely reaching much over 250 pounds. They are varied in hair color and hair texture with ears that are pricked or semi-lop. Extremely docile in temperament, the breed is suitable for first time pig growers.
FEEDING - Kunekune are known to many as "the Grazing Pig" being extremely efficient on grass and not prone to root or roam. Pasture grasses work well with very little needed in the way of supplementation. Hay can be fed when pasture is scarce or unavailable.
Commercial pig feeds, organic or proprietary feeds, along with garden excess all work to guarantee your pig's optimum condition. Gestating and lactating sows as well as piglets should always get a daily ration in addition to any pasture and/or hay.
When feeding out meat pigs for sale or for your family's table, consider the reason behind the niche market for those who practice excellent husbandry. The "alternative system" of rearing your pigs out-of-doors in an open-air piggery and feeding them from the orchard and garden not only speaks to buyers, but produces exceptional quality and taste in the pork that you produce.
HOUSING - Pigs need housing and shade in order to thrive in any environment. Depending upon the climate and conditions, producers will need to provide a relatively draft free space with clean bedding and protection from sun, wind and rain. In the coldest climates, deep straw or hay, perhaps with a layer of wood shavings underneath, will be required to keep pigs warm and dry.
American History of the breed
Prior to 1995, there were no Kunekunes Pigs in America.
There are two recorded imports of Kunekune Pigs directly from New Zealand in or around 1995. The breed was not promoted and very few breeding pigs found their way into the hands of potential breeders.
In 2005, Jim & Lori Enright imported Kunekune Pigs from England and were the first to promote the breed and to freely sell breeding stock in America.
Since that time, there have been additional imports from the UK as well as directly from New Zealand to create availability of the most diverse genetics found anywhere in the world. The American Kunekune Breeders Association (DBA American Kunekune Pig Registry) honored all imports prior to 2012 with inclusion into the Foundation Herd Book.
Why buy from 6E Farmstead?
The health and wellness of our animals is of utmost priority to us. When I started with goats, no one told me how to care for them. I made mistakes in the beginning and I learned a lot and cried a lot. When I decided to breed goats, I vowed that I would not do the same to my goats or my customers. When we added pigs, we vowed the same. Therefore, when you purchase a pig from 6E Farmstead, we schedule a consult with you. You will come out to the farm to pick up your pig and I will give you a lesson on how to care for your new pig. You will have plenty of time to ask questions while you are here. I will also send you home with our in depth care packet and will be available to answer your questions once they arise.