Are kunekune pigs good for meat- why they are the perfect homestead pig!

Are kunekune pigs good for meat? YES! Raising kune kune pigs on our small farm has been so much fun! Kunekune meat pigs are known for their cute little upturned short snout, spotted coat, friendly personalities and smaller size.  Some people may say that they are too small to be worth the effort, but I'm going to tell you why I think kunekune are the BEST homestead pig!

While these slow growing pigs do make good pets who love human interaction, their primary purpose on our farm is to grow pasture-raised pork. These are a great breed for first-time pig farmers, like many of us modern homesteaders!

Before we brought home our kune kunes, we thoroughly researched which breeds of pigs would be the best fit for our family and our space. This is going to a a semi-technical post.  And, please note that while several of our pigs are full kunekune, a few are mixed or cross breeds. The pictures will not be exclusively kunekune, okay?

There are so many reasons why we think Kune Kune pigs are the best fit for our homestead and family, and we are about to go over all of it in detail!

I'll first introduce you to our pigs and talk about how we got started raising pasture pigs, then we'll learn about kunekune's origin, what the name means, breed characteristics, kunekune pork and why it's considered the kobe beef of pork, frequently asked questions, and finally other breeds to consider if you want to raise smaller heritage pigs and aren't sure which would be the best for your family. Use the helpful jump-to button below to skip right to the parts you need! 

Jump to:

• How we got started raising KuneKunes
• American KuneKune Pig Society
• Kunekune's origin story 
• Pure kunekune characteristics
• How much does it cost to feed a kunekune pig?
• What kitchen scraps can kunekunes eat?
• Are kunekune pigs good for meat? YES!
• How to tell a butcher what cuts you'd like to order from your pig
• What nutrients are found in kunekune meat?
• Do pigs need a heat lamp during the winter?
• Frequently asked questions
• Help! I can't find a kunekune pig! What other breed of pigs should I consider for my homestead?
• Thanks for stopping by the homestead!
• Here are related categories you will enjoy!
• Here are my top rated pork & sausage recipes!
• Comments

How we got started raising KuneKunes

The picture at the top of this post was our first Kunekune piglet. His name was Hamlet and we rescued him when he was 48 hours old after I saw an urgent facebook post about needing someone to foster two piglets that the mom had rejected. Keeping him alive was a hard fight full of pan feeding, mites and scours, but he survived and went on to father our first two litters of piglets!

Hamlet spent his first six months acting like a farm dog, sleeping in a kennel and free ranging with our other dogs during the day. Once he began to reach maturity, we had to confine him in a pen so that he wouldn't wander off. We brought him home a girlfriend and the immediately went to work at raising litters of sweet kunekune piglets!

Hamlet became very aggressive as he got older, and actually bit one of our sons pretty bad. He was our first kune kune that we butchered.

I'll discuss it in more detail below, but when people ask me are kunekune pigs good for meat, the answer is YES. Not in the traditional bacon and pork chop sense, but the sausage and loin are amazing.

We now keep a breeding pair, as well as a few piglets from each litter that we grow out to butcher.

American KuneKune Pig Society

In America there are many backyard breeders, like my family, who are not registered with the American KuneKune Pig Society.  When you are shopping for purebred kunekunes, the only way to know with 100% certainty that you are getting 'true' kunekunes is by purchasing registered pigs.  If you aren't, you are just trusting and guessing.  

Now don't get me wrong, I don't think you should only consider registered stock for your breeding program. I certainly didn't go that route! I'm only mentioning it so that you don't feel duped later on down the road if your new kunekune gilts give birth to a litter of - surprise!- piglets that do not have the correct breed characteristics.

Kunekune's origin story 

Yes, that sounds like a movie tagline, but they do have a cool history!

KuneKune pigs are a breed that originated in New Zealand and nearly went extinct during the 1900's. The name "KuneKune" is Maori, the language of the indigenous people of New Zealand, and it means "fat and round."

KuneKune pigs are from New Zealand, where they were traditionally kept by the Maori people. They were valued for their friendly nature, adaptability to grazing on pasture, and the high-quality pork they provided. In the 1970s, efforts were made to preserve and promote the breed, leading to its recognition and popularity not only in New Zealand but also in other parts of the world. Kunekunes arrived in the United States and are now one of the most popular homestead pigs! They've crossed the ocean and now we can find these New Zealand heritage breed pigs right here in the USA!

Today, KuneKune pigs are appreciated for their unique characteristics, both as friendly and manageable pets and as a source of high-quality pork in sustainable farming practices. They have found a place in small-scale farming, homesteading, and even as therapy animals due to their amiable disposition. We love them!

Pure kunekune characteristics

Here is fairly comprehensive list of physical characteristics of kune kune pigs. It is possible for a pureblood kunekune to have similar characteristics, but not exactly all of the ones mentioned here.

How much does it cost to feed a kunekune pig?

While these are considered little pigs with a slower growth rate, don't let their small size fool you into thinking you'll save money on food! You'll still have a feed bill, I promise.

The amount of feed can vary based on factors like age, weight, activity level, and whether they're being raised for breeding, as pets, or for meat production. We also notice a difference in dietary needs during the winter months when the cold weather is keeping them from acting like a true grazing pig.

To give you an idea, at the time of writing this, the cost of a 50 pound bag of hog pellets is about $16.  We are in the fattening up stage for our pigs, so they are eating about two pounds per day. Buying feed costs me about $16 every 5 days to feed our 5 pigs, or roughly $90 each month, which is why this pork is sold at higher prices.  The pigs take extra time to grow and bring less meat at the butcher shop.

Here is a general guide for feeding pigs:

1. Pig Pellets:

• KuneKunes can be fed a high-quality commercial pig pellet as a base. The amount typically ranges from 1 to 3 pounds per day per pig, depending on their size and life stage. Always check the recommended feeding guidelines on the pellet's packaging. 

2. Forage and Grazing:

• KuneKunes are natural grazers, and providing access to pasture is excellent for their well-being. They love to munch on grass, roots, and forage. Pasture should ideally make up a significant portion of their diet. 

3. Fruits and Vegetables:

• Supplement their diet with fruits and vegetables. Apples, carrots, and leafy greens are popular choices. Remember not to give too many treats!

4. Hay:

• Provide good-quality hay, especially when pasture isn't in season. It offers additional fiber and helps keep them occupied. We add occasional flakes of alfalfa hay to their daily feeding during the winter and feed them the prairie hay that our cattle spill out of their trough. Some people also feed alfalfa pellets in the winter, but we personally buy bales of alfalfa.

5. Monitoring Weight:

• Keep an eye on their weight, adjusting the feed quantity accordingly. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, so it's important to find the right balance.

 Pictured above is our son Sam, with our pet and mama pig Mary Piggins. She's a sweetheart and excellent mama.

What kitchen scraps can kunekunes eat?

When it comes to feeding your KuneKune pals kitchen scraps, there's a variety of goodies they can munch on. For fruits, think apples (minus the seeds), pears, berries, and melons. In the veggie department, carrots, celery, cucumbers, and leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and kale are on the menu.

Root veggies like cooked potatoes, sweet potatoes, and turnips can also make for tasty treats. When it comes to other scraps, bread (in moderation), cooked pasta or rice, and plain popcorn (sans butter or salt) are fair game.

We love collecting our friends and family's pumpkins at the end of fall and feeding them to our pigs! They also go wild over watermelon rinds!

Are kunekune pigs good for meat? YES!

​KuneKune meat is renowned for its distinctive characteristics that set it apart in the culinary world. Here's what makes KuneKune pork unique:

1. Marbling and Intramuscular Fat: This intramuscular fat contributes to the tenderness and flavor of the meat. The meat is not a white meat like most people think of when choosing pork, it is more of a darker or even red looking meat. You will also get a high amount of kunekune lard during butchering.  Some people even refer to kunekunes as a lard pig or charcuterie pig because of how high quality the lard is for sausage making.

2. Flavor Profile: The meat is often described as having a rich and succulent flavor. The higher fat content enhances the taste, providing a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

3. Tenderness: Due to the marbling and overall fat content, KuneKune pork is exceptionally tender. The meat is prized for its tenderness, making it a favorite among chefs and home cooks.

4. Versatility: KuneKune pork is versatile in the kitchen. Whether you're grilling, roasting, or slow-cooking, the meat retains its tenderness and delivers a delicious dining experience.

5. Pasture-Based Diet: KuneKune pigs are natural grazers and thrive on pasture-based diets. This natural foraging contributes to the unique flavors in the meat.

6. Heritage Breed Characteristics: Being a heritage breed, KuneKune pork often reflects the traditional qualities associated with breeds that have been raised in small-scale and diverse farming systems.

7. Artisanal Appeal: KuneKune pork has gained popularity among those seeking high-quality, artisanal meats. Its unique characteristics make it a sought-after choice for those appreciating the nuances of flavor and texture in their pork.

How to tell a butcher what cuts you'd like to order from your pig

We home butcher, but here's what you need to know if you are taking yours in for processing. Ordering a pig for butchering involves several steps to ensure you get the cuts that suit your preferences.

Start by finding a local, reputable butcher or a processing facility. Communicate your specifications, including the type of cuts you want and any particular preferences for processing.

Discuss the size of the pig and your preferred processing method, whether it's fresh cuts, smoking, or sausage making. Popular cuts include pork chops, roasts, bacon, and ground pork.

Specify the thickness of cuts, whether you prefer bone-in or boneless, and if you want any particular sausages or cured products. Providing clear instructions ensures you receive a custom butchering that aligns with your culinary preferences.

You can also choose to sell a whole pig, half pigs or quarters if it is legal in your area to do so. Also specify if you want to keep the fat for rendering lard (which you totally should!).

What nutrients are found in kunekune meat?

Pork is a rich source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle development, repair, and overall body function. According to WebMD, KuneKune pork provides essential vitamins, amino acids, including B vitamins (such as B12, niacin, and riboflavin) and fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin D. These play crucial roles in energy metabolism, immune function, and bone health.

Pork is a good source of minerals like iron, zinc, phosphorus, and selenium. Iron is vital for oxygen transport in the blood, zinc supports immune function, phosphorus is essential for bone health, and selenium acts as an antioxidant.

Depending on the pig's diet, KuneKune pork may contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and overall well-being. Pork is a good source of collagen, a protein that supports skin, joint, and connective tissue health. (source)

Do pigs need a heat lamp during the winter?

Short answer, no kune kunes do not require a heat lamp except during farrowing (birthing). To keep your KuneKune pigs snug during winter, set them up with a cozy shelter—think of a well-insulated three-sided shed or barn that shields them from wind, rain, and snow. Fill it with ample bedding, like straw or hay, ensuring it stays dry for effective insulation.

If your pasture faces chilly winds, consider natural or artificial windbreaks. Provide a constant supply of unfrozen water, perhaps using heated water bowls if you can do it safely. Keep an eye on their body condition, adjusting their diet if needed, and be cautious not to overfeed. Even in winter, they need outdoor space for exercise, so ensure it's safe and free from icy hazards. 

Frequently asked questions

Help! I can't find a kunekune pig! What other breed of pigs should I consider for my homestead?

I totally get it.  Finding heritage or smaller pigs can be tricky.  If pasture-raised pigs are your goal for your homestead, consider these other types of pigs. 

First up, let's talk Pot-bellied Pigs. These little fellas are like the compact cousins of KuneKunes. Perfect for the pet scene, they share that friendly demeanor and manageable size that makes them great for smaller spaces. They are great pet pigs and companions, but not a great choice for raising feeder pigs. Also, people tend to think of these as miniature pigs, but believe me when I tell you there is no such thing!

Then there's the Gloucestershire Old Spot, rocking a spotty coat that's almost like KuneKune's stylish cousin. They're docile and have a laid-back vibe, making them not just good-looking but also easygoing. I strongly considered getting this breed when we were looking for the perfect pig breeds!

​Now, meet the Tamworths - these pigs are all about that reddish-gold glam. Known for being great grazers, they bring a touch of class to the pasture. 

American Guinea Hogs are the small wonders of the pig world. Heritage breed, friendly, and adaptable - they've got a lot in common with our KuneKune friends.

Last but not least, you need to know about Yorkshire pigs. They might be a bit bigger than KuneKunes, but their calm demeanor and excellent mothering skills make them a friendly bunch.

Thanks for stopping by the homestead!

If you are interested in learning more about sustainable living, preserving food or raising meat, I've attached a few categories below for you to browse! I'd start with learning about Guide to Raising Meat Chickens and then hop on over to my Preserving Food category.

Happy homesteading!

-Meg

Here are related categories you will enjoy!

Here are my top rated pork & sausage recipes!