What is a Kunekune?

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What is a Kunekune?

From the American Kunekune Pig Registry, the Kunekune Pig (pronounced "cooney cooney") is a breed known as the "Maori Pig" having been developed by the first people of New Zealand. Being near extinction in their homeland during the 1970's, two animal preservationists, Michael Willis and John Simister, are credited with their conservation. Since that time, the breed has gained recognition on both the North and South islands of New Zealand, in Great Britian and Europe, the United States, and, most recently, in Canada. The Kunekune Pig in America is finding a serious niche market for small farms, in sustainable farming systems, for permaculture, and with chefs, charcutiers, caterers, and in home butchery.

Kunekune Pigs are relatively small in size with boars rarely reaching much over 250 pounds. They are varied in hair color and hair texture with ears that are pricked or semi-lop. Extremely docile in temperament, the breed is suitable for first time pig growers.

Kunekune are known to many as "the Grazing Pig" being extremely efficient on grass and not prone to root or roam. Pasture grasses work well with very little needed in the way of supplementation. Hay can be fed when pasture is scarce or unavailable.