Their coat comes in a variety of colors, and it can vary from . 2023, Countryside - All Rights Reserved, Natural and Effective Home Remedies For Head Lice, How the Bot Fly Causes Warbles in Rabbits. Transfer the sow to the farrowing paddock or pen at least 1 week before the piglets are due. You will want to plan your pig rails or crush rails as well. [7], The Kunekune is covered in hair which can be long or short, and straight or curly. First-time pig farmers are just amazed at how easy they truly are. You already have this covered as KuneKunes are a herd animal so most likely you are already housing another companion in that area. Yes about every 6 - 12 months. [5], In 2017, a report of Science Daily said the Kunekune has remarkable social learning with "astonishingly good memory". . Unless you have overfed your sow, and shes excessively fat, she will seldom lay on her piglets and crush them. By following these basic guidelines, you can successfully breed Kunekune pigs and maintain their reproductive health for years to come. Most of the time, your morning pig chores can be completed in 15 to 20 minutes a day. Pigs also enjoy a variety of fruits and vegetables. However, two wildlife park owners saved the breed. To reach maximum lifespan, they must be fed a nutritionally complete diet and receive proper medical care (see handout "Veterinary Care for Mini-Pigs"). The fat also helps seal in moisture and flavor when the meat is cooked. At the age of 6 to 7 months, the kunekune pigs become fertile and start breeding new litters. Kunekune pork is drastically different from the pork that you find in stores. Other factors such as the pigs weight, health, and temperament should also be considered before breeding. And of course, they will enjoy wallowing in mud which helps keep them cool. Or letting her out for a hour or so during the day for a break. However, in the meantime, you will enjoy their interesting, friendly personalities. You can even feel the babies inside kicking and turning. KuneKune pigs are very hardy little pigs and fair quite well in most climates. They need to be with their kind. Official Website: https://keeneye123.wixsite.com/falconefamilyfarm. Potty Trained? Well what age KuneKune pigs breed and what age is appropriate to breed them is two very different answers. This lessens his confidence in breeding and although they present two proud testicles and are intact, they may refuse to mount a dominate female that they have grown up with. Now you are awaiting that exciting day of farrowing. This helps pass immunities over to the babies when they begin to nurse in her milk. We used small chains, and they were wrapped around the beams inside the building. You will begin to see her vulva swell and her teats become elongated. Lastly, we will share some tips on how to manage Kunekune pig pregnancies for a successful outcome. One reason I chose to raise smaller pigs is that I believe transporting pigs to be generally traumatic for all involved. Consequently, I have only had this happen 1-2 times since I have been farrowing piglets. Like other domestic breeds, Kunekune pigs also have curly tails. From selecting the right breeding pair to managing the pregnancy and birth, there are many factors to consider. Remember to never raise just one Kunekune or other pig. While many breeders do give their young pigs a bit of grain during their growing years, it is a relatively small amount, like 2 cups per day per pig. Her vulva will swell when she is coming into season. Another consideration is if you have been keeping your boar and gilt or sow, together for extended periods of time, they may become more like brother and sister. Oink! They are friendly, calm, and curious. Gilts . Piglets are very sensitive to the cold and will die if they are not kept warm enough. I ultimately gained her trust by lying spread-eagle inside of it. Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify and address any potential health issues. Some common health concerns for Kunekune pigs during the breeding process include obesity, joint issues, and reproductive complications. Girls generally go into heat for the first time at 6 months old. KuneKunes do great with transport via ground transport or air. Some final tips are simply keeping the momma pig calm and staying out of her way. If you did not see the breeding, you should have been looking every single day to see when she began to swell. The average litter size is 6 to 8 piglets, although first litters of up to 12 piglets are not unusual. However, they will not be fully fertile until they are a year old. KuneKunes mothers are amazing mothers, and they call their babies to them to eat. All domestic pigs originate from the European wild boar, or Sus scrofa. However, the way that these pigs managed to get from Asia to New Zealand is unclear. This guide provides valuable information and tips for breeders of all levels who are interested in raising these unique and beloved animals. The Kunekune pig is also very easy to handle, especially if you have established a good relationship with them. Please keep in mind that this means that they already had their first two doses as younger pigs and already is on a regular schedule for deworming which is every 6 months. Not only are they serving as companions, but you are also growing some pork as well. You want to ensure that you have amble space for two pigs in the area, a mud puddle and housing big enough to support two full grown pigs. What are some common health concerns for Kunekune pigs during the breeding process? If your farm goals are to sell pork, you may want to look into other Kunekune breeders that produce a larger faster growing pig. Like the pot-bellied pig, kunekune are small domestic pigsbut unlike pot-bellies, they have long hair and are originally from New Zealand. So, keep in mind that an overweight gilt may have trouble conceiving. You may want to consider Kunekunes if you are interested in raising meat pigs or just starting out with livestock. Finally, with an eye toward the future, it is also important to consider the goals of your breeding program whether you are looking to improve genetics or expand your herd and plan accordingly. This is one of the most popular questions: What age do KuneKune pigs breed? And if you thought I was leading up to house training, I know they can do that to if trained from an early age (works better if they are fixed). They are great starter pigs for those interested in beginning homesteading. You may want to use electric fencing to keep the pigs from escaping your fields. I have experienced many times in mentoring other KuneKune Breeders that were not properly feeding their KuneKunes that they also did not conceive. Once the sow is fighting off the piglets for food, it is a good idea to provide the piglets with food in a separate area that the sow cant get at. Purchase Cost: Kunes tend to be more expensive than other breeds of pig. The photo below is a good representation of this. If you really pay attention, you may notice a white substance coming from her vulva. That is each side of the uterine horn. For some homesteads, they may not provide as good an ROI as faster-growing pigs. If you are farrowing in the winter, you will want to have electricity for heat lamps and a source of heat should you be in an area that needs heat. We will also discuss the ideal age for Kunekune pig breeding and some of the techniques used in breeding them. It is also, essential to consider the health and genetic background of the pigs involved in breeding. Kunekune pigs have short legs, round bodies, and short upturned snouts. In addition to helping with pasture management, Kunekune pigs are popular in non-farming circles as pets. This is the time when you will need to supplement with a bit of grain. We answer important questions like what age do KuneKune pigs breed and more. We also live in Virginia and this winter has been a bit extreme in temperatures. Sometimes, they will have as many as 12 piglets. KuneKune pigs are mid-size pigs weighing 200-400 pounds (boars would be on the higher end and females on the lower end) and 24-36 inches tall. It has a short, round body with short legs and may have two wattles (called piri piri) under its chin. These are my recommendations for someone thinking about getting into breeding Kunekunes especially when purchasing breeding stock from us. There are several possible causes of sow infertility hormonal problems, a reproductive tract damaged by infection, or too fat or too thin in body condition. However, it is important to ensure that the pig is healthy and has reached a suitable weight before breeding. When deciding when to breed Kunekune pigs, it is recommended to wait until they are at least a year old, although they may begin to cycle as early as 7-8 months. It took nearly two weeks to gain her consent to enter it for her final time. It is essential to consider the age, health, genetics, and environment of your pigs before breeding them. They could potentially get pregnant as early as 6 months. This means they are better suited for making lard than muscle meat. If you have any concerns about breeding your Kunekune pigs, it is always best to consult with a veterinarian for specific recommendations and guidance or contact an experienced breeder. The season lasts for between 8 and 48 hours, and normally occurs every 18 to 22 days until pregnancy occurs. Boars . Health Care: Kunes are a pretty healthy breed, and many owners dont find the need to bother with vaccines. Kune Kune pigs live on grass and vegetables in summer, in autumn this can be supplemented with apples. I found that when the piglets were born the pine bedding would stick all to them. From bacon to BBQ, feeding your family from the KuneKune pigs that you raise yourself gives you a great sense of pride. Whats Too Cold: Under 20F and you will want to ensure that your pigs have adequate shelter. Many will wait months before deciding to offer a piglet as breeding quality. . Sows can show infertility in several ways failure to come on heat, irregular or difficult to detect heat cycles, or continued return to service (i.e. These pigs have oodles of personality. They are supposed to keep mom from accidentally squishing piglets. One of the things that amazed me when seeing the piglets born was that each piglet comes out with their cords cut and out of the sack. A helpful tip is to take pictures of her vulva (female parts) every day and compare it to the photos of the previous day to watch for signs of swelling. Bedding: Whats nice about pigs is that they tend to keep their bedding clean. A litter size of only 1 or 2 piglets is rare, as often with a very few piglets the sow is likely to reabsorb or abort the litter and start again. Breeders vary in what age they wean piglets at. Do you know someone who could benefit from this information? It is also important to consider the genetic diversity of the breed and avoid inbreeding. Pot-bellied pigs typically live for 14-21 years, with an average of 15-18 years. Many experienced breeders have found that a boars fertility varies during the year, with fertility reduced both during very hot weather or very cold weather. The Kunekune (Mori pronunciation:[knkn])[1] is a small breed of domestic pig from New Zealand. Breeding Age: Kunes reach sexual maturity at about 8 months of age. In the summer months while they lay around in mud puddles all day long, that can be something you repeat quite frequently. So how did they get to New Zealand and are now connected to . As a result, in raising any type of livestock it will teach children about life and death and even the miracle of birth. Kunekune sows are usually excellent mothers and rarely have trouble giving birth and rarely attack their piglets. Not only are they serving as companions, but you are also growing some pork as well. Other good additions to their diet are any vegetarian matter or kitchen scraps (make sure to cook potatoes). CVI $50 Ground Transport $150 - $500 depending on location Air - $400 including crate for a piglet What is a CVI? When is the right time to breed KuneKune Pigs? We got you covered. The ideal age for breeding Kunekune pigs is when they reach sexual maturity, which can vary depending on several factors. They come in a massive array of colors. Hay, straw, and pine wood chips (not cedar) are your best options. In 1993, two were imported into the United States from the UK. Breeding & Farrowing KuneKune Pigs can be such an amazing experience for the whole family. In the summer months, it is vital for them to have a mud puddle to cool off in, keep the biting insects off, and prevent sunburn. Usually the female (gilt or sow) is taken to the boar area for breeding. The oldest Kune on record is 21 years old. She had been raised with the pigs and knew them as much as me. Consulting with a veterinarian or experienced breeder can help determine the best. [3] The native Mori people of New Zealand adopted Kunekune; kunekune is a Mori word meaning "fat and round". Horse fencing is a bit more robust yet still affordable. Its not worth it and the welds tend to come loose. It is important to ensure that both the sow and boar are on a healthy diet and exercise regimen before breeding. We have a ton of information on managing your herd, feeding 101 and more information on the general care page of our website. At 6 months females are not developed enough to carry piglets and are still growing themselves. They are very smart and always want to see what the humans are up to. So, while this breed is small, it's still pretty hefty . The saying goes 3 months, 3 weeks, 3 days. Second, a young breeding pair raised together from piglet age will often not breed. Here are some other facts about this incredible breed: KuneKune pigs are very easy-going and social creatures. Usually males and females can be housed together until the gilts begins to cycle around 6-8 months of age. Or if they are in a stall, theyll poop in a designated corner. pigs that are known for their docile nature and unique appearance. in good health before breeding, as any underlying health issues could lead to complications during pregnancy or cause genetic defects in piglets. You can find them in black, brown, reddish, tan, and gray. You can add all types of fresh fruits and vegetables as well. As far as pig breeds to raise, Kunekunes are a breed to consider if you are able to wait for them to grow. From understanding their sexual maturity to the factors, you should consider before breeding them, we have you covered. The boars reach maturity at around 350 - 450 lbs. They really do appreciate a little alone time and then are happily reunited with their babies. However, it is recommended to wait until female pigs are at least 1 year old before breeding them for the first time. Spray the cords at the cut point with iodine spray as well. In most cases, you will not even see they have bred, however, there are signs to watch for. I was shocked! Likewise, even connecting with a litter mate and they get all tangled together. So, you could say the 333 rules. KuneKune pigs primarily graze for a living which makes them a great pig breed for the homestead. You will have better mothering skills from your sow as well as easier births. As a responsibly breeder you want to make sure you are not introducing issues into your herd or others. What factors should be considered when deciding when to breed KuneKune pigs? Because they root less, Kunekunes are not as hard on fields and fences as other breeds. Double that amount for winter feeding with access to plenty of hay. The Kunekune stands about 60cm (24in) tall. Sure, they are slower to mature, but if youre raising pigs for meat, their pork is so worth the wait. Breeding Kunekune pigs can be a rewarding experience for any pig farmer. [18], Male (left), female (right), Kunekune pigs, "The men who brought the kunekune pig back from the brink", "Kune Kune piglets possess social learning skills and have an astonishingly good memory", "Iberia's first kunekune pigs born in Silves", "Mini pigs with big appeal: Popularity soars despite ownership restrictions", "Pigs called in to deep-clean Champagne vineyards", "Sky is the limit for Shane and KuneKune New Zealand pigs", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kunekune&oldid=1158602078, This page was last edited on 5 June 2023, at 02:42. Then another dose two week prior to her due date. So, imagine my shock to see piglets running around with their ears open, eyes open in moments! The gestation (pregnancy) lasts for about 116 days in Kunekunes - '3 months, 3 weeks, 3 days'. They would be delighted to assist with cleaning out your garden for you at the end of the year as well. However, a KuneKune pig is 116 days pregnant. What is the cost of transport? Required fields are marked *. If the weather is moderate, your Kunekune hogs can get away with smaller quarters and outdoor access. If you have children, sows are good about them being in the farrowing quarters, however you will want to ensure they are quiet and still as not to upset the mom while she is doing all her hard work bringing the KuneKune Piglets into world. My background for 10+ years, was in raising Australian shepherds so to me this was utterly amazing. Some things to consider before raising Kunekune pigs and other pigs and any livestock for meat are: Kunekune pigs need about a quarter acre of pasture per adult pig. [4], By the 1980s, only an estimated 50 purebred Kunekune remained. What do Kunekune pigs eat? The actual lifespan of a pig is generally around 15 to 20 years, although some pigs can live beyond 20 years. The tail can be crooked when the pig is moving. Also, a short illness can reduce a boars fertility for up to 6 8 weeks. So, it is important that you make your general rule of thumb to remove boar piglets by 6 months of age. Just something that is draft free, dry, and has plenty of bedding in the form of wood chips/straw/hay. Increasing the sows food intake for up to 2 weeks before mating can have a flushing effect on the ovaries and can increase the litter size. First, I don't recommend starting with a single pig. Comparing photos really helps to see exactly when the female went into heat and with photos the date is right on the photo if you accidentally forget to add it. While a Kunekune pig is still a pig, this breed is less likely to root than some other breeds. Kunekune pigs are highly social, herd animals. These heritage-breed pigs are great for small to moderate-sized farms and homesteads. These pigs are less smelly than some other pigs, and they need less space. Raising these amazing little creatures is such a fun and rewarding experience. It is important to ensure that both the sow and the boar are. Pronounced "koo-nee koo-nee," and translated to "fat and round," these pigs are very similar to pet pot-bellied pigs, according to The Spruce Pets. Something to note is that they are considered a lard breed pig. I am a bit squeamish on that one thing. This area is called the creep. Kunekune pigs are pregnant on average for about 116 days. Likewise, at times you may see two afterbirths. There is no rhyme or reason as to why some of this breed have wattles and others dont. They are easy on the environment and prefer grass instead of rooting up the earth. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Moms will need a nice area for farrowing her babies in a draft free environment. This includes ensuring that your breeding pair is in good health and has access to a nutritious diet. Then they go into heat every 2-3 weeks. Kunekune cannot be imported into Australia, as Australia does not allow the import of live pigs for biosecurity reasons. begin to cycle much earlier. They also are spotted. How do mini-pigs communicate? Kunekune pigs have a long list of dishes and feeds they enjoy because they feed on both plants and animals. It is best to separate unaltered males and females by 4 months old. They cannot justify paying that type of money while trying to run a profitable business. Hair colours include black, brown, ginger, gold, cream, and spotted combinations. Allowing them to develop properly and ensures a successful breeding outcome. Oink! Additionally, smaller families might find the Kunekune to be a great fit. (Of course, this can vary depending on how much you feed them.) However, if you live in a place with cold, long winters, you will either need to provide indoor housing and heating for sows and piglets, or keep the boar separated from the sows to prevent farrowing when it is too cold outside. Pigs dont like to potty where they sleep. It is important to pay attention the the inbreeding coefficient and to select your breeding pairs to be unrelated at least up to Grandparents. But here are some pictures. In Maori, the word Kunekune means fat and round. These pigs are similar in shape and size to potbellied pigs. It is a fantastic way to teach children the miracle of life. Boars are most comfortable in their own area where they have already marked their territory. Read more on Boars marking territory. ), Falcone Family Farms Blog Started 10/12/18. They can enjoy life in any climate as long as they have proper shelter for the climate. If you want a good meat pig that is a true grazing pig, consider Idaho Pasture pigs. If you live in an area with warm temperatures, you may be able to get two litters of piglets from each sow. Copyright 2023-2024 Alisha Falcone. Girls generally go into heat for the first time at 6 months old. A minimum shelter size for 2 pigs would be roughly 4 feet by 6 feet. 3 months, 3 weeks, and 3 days. Kunekune sows come in heat every 18 to 22 days until bred. AVOID meat or anything that would be considered junk food. A pet Kune Kune pig on a sled! Breeders combined Kunekunes, Durocs and Berkshire pigs to create a new pig breed called Idaho Pasture pigs. Kunekune swine will need shelter in winter weather. These days, they are raised as pets or livestock. In many situations it is a matter of being patient and setting a time limit (i.e. Ive even heard of doing 3 per year, but why push your sow that hard. Their upturned noses mean that Kunekune pigs are better suited for grazing than rooting. Kunekune pigs are exactly as their name is translated. The AKKPS is an official breed registry of purebred KuneKunes that has a strong commitment to the preservation of purebred, pedigreed, parentage DNA verified KuneKunes. Boys can get girls pregnant as early as 4 months. You may ask yourself what makes these pigs so special the simple answer is everything! If you have a barrow (neutered male) in that area, he can stay as he is no threat to the boar.
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how long can kunekune pigs breed
