The Versatile KuneKune

What are KuneKune pigs?

First, we will talk about what KuneKune pigs are. KuneKune pigs are a unique breed of pig that have become increasingly popular in recent years. Originally from New Zealand, these pigs are known for their friendly and docile nature, as well as their versatility in various roles. From agriculture to conservation to therapy, KuneKune pigs have found a place in different areas for which they are well suited. Let us take a closer look at what niches KuneKune pigs seem to thrive.

Breeding stock.

This is one of the most used categories for the use of these pigs. Likewise, the breed can serve well in breeding programs to produce high quality offspring that are being sold as breeding stock to others to further the preservation of the breed. It is important to note, however, that the saying goes among breeders, "sell the best and eat the rest". Consequently, that will bring us to our next purpose for this breed.

Pork Production

KuneKune pigs are often utilized in small-scale and sustainable agriculture. Great foragers and can help graze your pastures. Being a true grazer that is not known to root or destroy pastures. Producing high-quality meat and fat, making them a popular choice for small-scale farmers and homesteaders. Farmers take pride in feeding their families with KuneKune pork that they have raised right on their own farms.

Additionally, this breed is known for their ability to thrive on pasture-based diets, making them a sustainable choice for those looking to reduce their environmental impact and feed expenses.

Most importantly, KuneKune Pork is a high-end pork product that is in demand by chefs and consumers alike. Being that KuneKunes are usually raised humanely in pasture settings, your buyers will enjoy knowing that their pork lived the life of a pig.

Soap and cooking.

First, KuneKunes are a lard breed of pig. Likewise, this means that their meat is wrapped in a layer of fat that locks in the flavor of their pork. As a result, there are things you can do with this fat. Some farmers will “render” the fat for cooking. Most importantly, being a pasture, grazing animal their fat is higher in Omega 3 and 6 as compared to commercial swine. As a result, making them a much better choice for rendering lard.

Some breeders will even make soaps with the lard. Making beautiful pieces of art that work quite well and smell amazing. Furthermore, this will result in a bit of extra income for the farm and family.

Therapy.

First, KuneKune pigs can be utilized in therapy settings. Their friendly and docile nature makes them great candidates for animal-assisted therapy, which has shown to have numerous benefits for mental health. Furthermore, KuneKune pigs can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and even provide a sense of purpose and responsibility for those participating in their care. As a result, they are used in programs for children with special needs, as they can help improve social skills and communication.

Pets.

Yes, they make wonderful pets. Due again to their friendly and easy-going disposition and ease of handling they are a terrific addition to small farms that want grazing animals to cut down on grass cutting. They are also enjoyable for children and adults alike. KuneKune pigs are quite the characters and have a very comical side to them. Their intelligence makes them a treat to have around the farm. Most important to remember is they will need another of their own kind since they are a herd animal.

Teachers.

Did you know that raising KuneKunes can be beneficial for teaching children? Children learn important life lessons from this incredible breed. First, they learn responsibility. Second, they learn about reproduction. Likewise, they will learn about life and death. So KuneKunes can also be teachers.

Orchard work.

This will be the best animal you can imagine keeping freshly fallen fruit up off the ground. They take immense pride in keeping your orchard free of fallen fruit. Once they learn this is happening all around them, watch them make their paths to each section in need of “clean up.”  Best little workers on the farm. So, as you can see this versatile little pig suits various purposes. Furthermore, this is extremely helpful to keep down yellow jackets and bees.

The benefits of raising KuneKune pigs.

Raising KuneKune pigs can offer benefits for farmers and homesteaders. They are a smaller breed of pig, making them easier to manage and requiring less space than larger breeds. They are also known for their docile and friendly nature, making them great for families with children. KuneKune pigs are also excellent foragers and can help keep your pastures down as well as provide nutrition for those pastures in the way of soil. Additionally, their meat is in demand for its flavor and tenderness.

Being very prolific, they can even cover their own expenses and help with additional income for the family.

Get started with KuneKune pig farming.

If you are interested in raising KuneKune pigs, the first step is to do your research and make sure you have the necessary resources and knowledge. IKKPS takes a huge amount of time to provide all KuneKune enthusiasts with tons of educational resources to help you make an informed decision if KuneKunes are the right breed for you. We will help you not only make informed decisions but will educate you on how to care properly for them.

You will need adequate space for the pigs to roam and forage, as well as shelter and fencing to keep them safe. We break all this down for you to ensure that you have considered every aspect of raising this incredible breed. It is also important to find a reputable breeder and choose healthy, well-cared-for pigs. Once you have your pigs, you will need to provide them with a balanced diet and regular veterinary care. We tell you all about feeding your KuneKune properly, vaccinations and even deworming your KuneKune.

To preserve the breed, we want to make sure that you are prepared for everything from selecting your stock to properly feeding and caring for your new additions. With proper care and attention, KuneKune pigs can be a valuable addition to your farm or homestead.

In conclusion

As we have discussed above in this article that the KuneKune is truly a multi-purpose pig that suits multitude niches in agriculture and farm life. Likewise, if you are looking for a couple great pets or wanting to produce flavorful, red marbled pork for your family, there is no better breed than a KuneKune pig.

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