KuneKune Pig

Diet Requirements for a mature Kunekune pig include:

1) 1-1.5 kg food (1,000 g - 1,500 g)

2) Slightly higher fiber than a commercial pig diet (13% CF)

3) Higher protein than a commercial pig diet, aiming for 14-16% CP

4) Make available at least 5 liters of water a day, more if lactating or warm weather

These animals reportedly can survive on grasses alone, but after further investigation few grasses provide the necessary protein amounts for mature animals.

A diet containing 1,500 g of grass hay contains only 10% crude protein (132g) and over 33% crude fiber (435g), an unhealthy amount of each. Mature alfalfa hay, a high protein grass, provides only 13% crude protein (171g) and once again, the amount of fiber, 501g or 38%, would cause discomfort to the animal.

The British Kunekune society suggests mixing 1 lb of 16% protein sow and weaner meal with 1 lb of grass pellets moistened with water when grass is not plentiful. This mix would provide a more balanced diet for animals, helping to supply needed fiber and protein. Kunekune pigs love to eat fruits and nuts, and these can be supplemented into the diet with moderation. Make sure you account for these additional calories on days that you treat your animal.

Kunekune pigs should not be fed meat, bones, or blood. Even feeding foods that have touched these items is prohibited by law.

Caregivers should keep in mind that animals who are pregnant, lactating, or in colder environments need more calories a day and their diets should be altered respectively. Also, due to breeding differentiation, there is a variance of size among kunekune pigs. An attentive pet owner should monitor the body condition of the animal, if the animal appears to be gaining excessive weight one should feed the animal amounts closer to 1,000g, while if they appear to be losing weight feed them more toward 1,500.