kunekune pig

Common Name: KuneKune Pig

Kingdom: Animalia

Class: Mammalia

Description: Kunekunes are grazers, not foragers like most pigs, and therefore, can live on grass alone. Kunekune (pronounced cooney cooney) means “fat and round” in Maori. They have an unusual feature – fleshy tassels on the side of their faces called piri piri; not all individuals have them, but they are common among the breeds.

The Kunekune is covered in hair which can be long or short, and straight or curly. Hair colors include black, brown, ginger, gold, cream, and spotted combinations. It has a medium to short slightly upturned snout that is black and either semi-lopped or pricked ears. It has a snort, round body with short legs.

Size: Approximately 60 cm (24 in) tall

Weight: An adult Kunekune can weigh between 60 and 200kg (130 and 440 lb.)

Diet: Omnivores – grass, fresh fruit, and vegetables. They differ from other pigs in that they do not need elevated levels of protein.

Incubation: 112 – 116 days; usually has 3 – 14 piglets

Sexual Maturity: Around 8 months

Life Span: 15 to 20 years

Habitat: The original ancestors of this breed lived in woodland habitats and pastures. As humans bred this species selectively, these pigs have never had a “natural” habitat. Nowadays, people keep these mammals in a wide variety of different regions and habitats, including farmland, grassland, meadow, and more.

FUN FACTS

1. All Kanekanes are ‘miniature’ pigs when compared to commercial pigs, which can weigh up to 400+ kilos. Kanekanes tend to come in between 60 to 200 kg in adulthood.
2. Kanekanes take a long time to reach adult size compared to other breeds, and their growth rates are quite variable. What many of us might consider a small pig at two- or three- years can suddenly spurt and become quite large at four years old.
3. The final size of a pig is determined both genetically and by its feeding regime. Pigs deprived of sufficient food in the growing years will end up smaller than they could have been. But to end up with a healthy pig around the size reported by the media at adulthood would be impossible.
4. Kanekuni pigs are usually exceptionally clean animals, with a minimal smell and often do not affect those with pet allergies. They are quiet animals but may scream if they are frightened or do not get their own way. Like all pigs, Kanekuni pigs tend to have endless appetites and are notorious food moochers and thieves.
5. Kanekuni pigs were almost extinct by the early 1970s.
6. Still considered a unique and distinct domestic pig, the Kanekuni pig is classified as a rare breed.
7. Everyone knows what a pig’s snout looks like. However, did you know that they have a disc of cartilage that forms the shape of their unique nose?
8. Kanekuni pigs are extremely intelligent, inquisitive, mischievous, sweet-tempered, and playful. They are also stubborn, and easily bored. They are also remarkably like a dog, in that, they require a solid pack leader they can respect, or else they will think they are in charge and can become dominant and even aggressive.