If you are considering adding kune kunes to your homestead, one of the first factors to think about is how you will feed your new pigs a balanced diet. And what is the best feed for kunekune pigs, anyways?
Learn what foods are the perfect feed for your Kunekune pigs with this comprehensive guide. From understanding their natural diet to exploring commercial options, I've got you covered. And get to know my small homestead herd of pasture pigs! Feed your pigs right, the natural way.
Read now!
Jump to:
- History of kunekune pigs
- Do kunekune pigs root?
- What is the ideal pasture for a kunekune?
- How to rotationally graze kunekunes
- How we rotationally graze our pigs
- Best hay for kunekune
- Alfalfa pellets
- Kitchen scraps
- Free feed pasture-raised pigs
- What do baby kunekune pigs eat?
- 7 Reasons diet matters
- Latest posts!
- Comments
History of kunekune pigs
Kunekune pigs, originally from New Zealand, are a unique breed gaining a burst of popularity for their small size, friendly demeanor, and distinctive upturned 'smooshed' snout with wattles hanging from their lower jaws. Their name is from the Maori word "kune" meaning "fat and round," these pigs have a heritage deeply rooted in the Polynesian culture. As far as pig breeds go, these just might be the perfect little pigs for your family! They are social animals and make great pet pigs as well as pasture-raised pork.
Historically, kunekunes were free-roaming foragers, thriving on pasture, fruits, and vegetation. Their genetics are predisposed for a grazing lifestyle, making them excellent grazers and rooters. This natural diet has shaped their physiology, emphasizing the importance of a well-balanced and wholesome diet that aligns with their ancestral foraging instincts. Understanding and catering to their genetic predispositions ensures not just their survival but also their optimal well-being in a domestic setting.
Do kunekune pigs root?
I have to chuckle as I include this little sidebar about 'rooting,' because there is a common myth that kune kune pigs somehow missed this common pig trait. Spoiler alert, while they might not dig as deep or as often, they will still root! Some more so than others, it's really a personality trait that some pigs get while others don't. In the years we've had pigs, we have had all of our pigs create mud wallows by using their noses and bodies to create deep pools and puddles.
Every single one.
As far as tearing up the pasture, not all of ours do. Some are content to graze the grass and live happily, while others like to dig for treasures or possibly nutrients missing in their diet.
What is the ideal pasture for a kunekune?
In a perfect setting, a kunekune would have access to a diverse and spacious environment that mimics their natural habitat. A well-maintained pasture should include a mix of grasses, clover, and other forage. Opt for a variety like ryegrass, fescue, and clover to provide nutritional richness.
The pasture size should be generous, allowing room for grazing, rooting, and exercise. Aim for at least half an acre per pig, ensuring they have ample space to express their natural behaviors. Consider rotational grazing to prevent overgrazing and maintain pasture health.
With a secure fence, pigs can forage in wooded areas that are safe for natural grazing. As a general rule, you will want to walk your pasture and remove any debris or dangerous items that your pig should not eat or rub against.
How to rotationally graze kunekunes
Rotational grazing for kunekune pigs involves dividing their grazing area into smaller paddocks and regularly moving them to fresh pasture. We practice this by using an electric hog netting fence with a portable solar charger and feel like it's the best way. Here's a straightforward guide:
- Split the overall grazing area into smaller sections using temporary fencing or movable electric fencing. The goal is to create paddocks that can sustain the pigs for a set period without overgrazing.
- Allow the pigs to graze in one paddock until the vegetation is grazed down to an optimal level. This prevents overgrazing, ensures a diverse diet, and allows the grazed area to recover. With our pigs, it is ideal to move them every 5-7 days to prevent over grazing, especially in drought conditions.
- Keep an eye on the health of the pasture. If it's getting too short or showing signs of stress, it's time to rotate the pigs to a new area.
- Ensure that each paddock has access to fresh clean water. This is crucial for the well-being of the pigs, especially during hot weather. We provide a plastic pool for wallowing, as well as large drinking bowls that we refill throughout the day. Never assume your pig will have cool water! They are notorious for hopping in their water bowl and spilling the entire thing.
- While kunekune pigs are hardy, having some form of shelter in each paddock can provide relief from extreme weather conditions. We have a small lean-to that provides shade and rain protection for our pigs. They only use it during the worst weather, but at least it's available if they want it. Pigs are able to regulate their body temperature pretty well, in warm weather as well as the cold.
- Pay attention to pig behavior. If they seem bored or are excessively rooting in one area, it might be time to rotate to a new paddock to keep them mentally stimulated.
- Consider sacrificing an area of pasture during the winter months when the grass isn't growing. Yes, the pigs will eat it bare and you will have to replant in the spring, but it's better than overgrazing your entire pasture.
How we rotationally graze our pigs
When we rotate our pigs, it is a family affair. We wait until later in the day when they are less active and haven't been fed any pellets since morning. We have one person responsible for luring the pigs to the new area with food, while the others quickly lift the fence from the old area and surround the pigs with it before they notice. Then we quickly move their shelter, water and pool, and connect the solar charger to the hog netting.
The pigs barely look up from the food to notice what has happened! This is also a great tip for if your pigs happen to get out, which they rarely do. Just lure them back with food!
Best hay for kunekune
During winter when fresh grass is scarce, providing the right hay for Kunekune pigs is crucial to maintain their well-being. Opt for high-quality grass hay varieties such as Timothy, Orchard, or Meadow hay. These options offer essential fiber and mimic the texture of natural forage, promoting healthy digestion. This is going to be pretty much the same as for commercial pigs.
Pigs are able to obtain essential nutrients from a primitive diet that is packed full of hay and free access to grass. A common mistake with adult kunekune pigs is feeding them low protein pig feed that isn't appropriate for their age or size of the pigs. If the food isn't correct, the condition of the pigs can deteriorate and it may be hard to get them back on the path to a healthy growth rate. If you are unsure what the right feed is for your feeder pigs, ask your local grain mill or Farmer's COOP to determine the nutritional needs of your pigs based on your location, pasture quality and any hay you are feeding.
Alfalfa hay can be added in moderation for its higher protein content, but it's important to balance it with grass hay to prevent excessive calorie intake. Additionally, ensure the hay is free from mold, dust, or contaminants that could adversely affect the pigs' respiratory health. (source)
Alfalfa pellets
Another option is alfalfa pellets. Alfalfa pellets are a concentrated form of dried and compacted alfalfa, a legume forage known for its rich nutritional profile. These pellets serve as a supplemental feed for Kunekune pigs, especially during times when fresh forage is limited. We don't actually feed our pigs these pellets, but many people do. Since this is out of my wheelhouse, I've included sources for you on each of the following claims.
To feed alfalfa pellets to Kunekune pigs, start by introducing them gradually into their diet to prevent digestive issues. Begin with a small amount and observe their response. These pellets can be fed by hand or mixed with their regular feed. It's essential to provide fresh water alongside the pellets to ensure proper hydration.
The proper amount of alfalfa pellets depends on factors such as the pig's size, age, nutritional needs and overall diet. As a general guideline, aim for about ¼ to ½ pound of alfalfa pellets per day per pig and body weight. Monitor their body condition and adjust the quantity accordingly. Remember that moderation is key, as excessive intake of alfalfa, with its higher protein and calcium content, can lead to health issues. (source)
Kitchen scraps
I never knew how much fun leftovers could be until we got pigs! They lose their little minds when they see us walk up to the fence with a bowl of scraps. We have even trained ours to sit before we feed them scraps like fresh fruits or bananas! Kitchen scraps that are healthy for pigs are fresh produce, leafy greens (mine love swiss chard!), pumpkins, cucumbers, and other kitchen or garden waste. My pigs love it when I over bake a loaf of sourdough or bring home a case of marked down veggies from the store.
I also collect pumpkins after Halloween that have not frozen or grown mold to feed to my mini herd. I keep the extra whole pumpkins in the greenhouse and feed them throughout the winter. Some people say that pumpkins are a natural dewormer, but there is quite a bit of contradicting evidence. I don't have an opinion or make a recommendation about this.
Avoid feeding kunekune piglet or pigs processed foods that are high in salt as excess sodium can make your pigs very sick. Also avoid avocados, citrus and peppers. Another interesting thing about pigs is that they will reject certain foods, such as banana peels or even broccoli stalks. This could be unique to my pigs, but I've heard this from other homesteaders, too. If they don't like it, they won't eat it!
Free feed pasture-raised pigs
In order for healthy pigs to maintain the proper body composition, free feeding is not advised. A pig is, well, a pig. Most pigs will eat all of the food offered, without any thoughts of moderation or intuition. This isn't generally a problem on grass pasture, but when it comes to supplemental feed or alfalfa (including alfalfa pellets), obesity can happen fast. Measure the food by weight or cups and consistently feed the same amount each day to avoid overly fat pigs.
We use a plastic coffee can. I buy the same pelleted feed every time, and I weighed the proper serving in the coffee can and marked a fill line. This makes chores so much faster and more automated!
What do baby kunekune pigs eat?
When a mama kunekune gives birth, the piglets drink milk from her teats, just like other baby mammals. After the first day or so of life, the piglets will begin following mom around the pen or pasture, nibbling on whatever she is eating. Scraps, hay, pellets, grass... if mama is eating it, so are her young pigs!
The commercial feed for mamas and piglets is different that what we feed our growers. We use a feed called Nature’s Match® Sow and Pig Feed by Purina Feeds. This non-medicated plant-based pelleted feed is 16% Crude Protein and 1% Lysine with balanced protein and amino acids, supporting gestating and lactating sows. It also contains probiotics, Yucca Schidigera Extract, and Phytase to support optimal gut health. There are other brands, but this is what I can find locally at our Tractor Supply for optimal growth. (source)
7 Reasons diet matters
Feeding a pig a poor-quality diet can have several detrimental effects on its health and overall well-being. Pigs, including Kunekune pigs, require a balanced and nutritionally adequate diet to thrive. Here are potential consequences of a subpar diet:
- Nutrient Deficiencies: Poor-quality diets may lack essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, leading to nutrient deficiencies. This can result in stunted growth, weakened immune function, and a range of health issues.
- Weight and Growth Issues: Inadequate nutrition can lead to underweight pigs and hinder their proper growth and development. Pigs fed a diet lacking in essential nutrients may exhibit slower growth rates and smaller sizes than their well-nourished counterparts.
- Reproductive Problems: Poor nutrition can impact reproductive health in both male and female pigs. It may lead to fertility issues, low conception rates, and complications during pregnancy.
- Digestive Disorders: Low-quality diets can cause digestive problems, including diarrhea or constipation. Lack of fiber, improper balance of nutrients, or the presence of harmful substances can disrupt the digestive system.
- Poor Immune Function: A suboptimal diet weakens the pig's immune system, making it more susceptible to infections and diseases. Malnourished pigs are less capable of fighting off pathogens, leading to increased vulnerability.
- Behavioral Issues: Pigs may display abnormal behaviors such as excessive rooting, aggression, or lethargy when not provided with a nutritionally appropriate diet. These behaviors can be signs of physical discomfort or distress.
- Long-term Health Consequences: Prolonged exposure to a poor-quality diet can result in chronic health issues, reducing the pig's quality of life and potentially shortening its lifespan.
If you have questions about kunekune pork, purebred kunekunes, or just raising pigs on small farms, you'll find all this and more in my post Kunekunes are the perfect homestead pig! If meat sustainability is on your list of goals for the upcoming year, you should consider raising meat birds. Growing out chickens to butcher and fill the freezer is easier than you would think! Read about how we do it, how much it costs (on average), and the tips we've learned over the years in Raising Meat Chickens.
Happy homesteading!
-Meg
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