Feeding Kunekunes

Feeding

In the beginning, we tried every different combination of feed and we have settled on what works for us. Like most Kunekune farms we feed a protein pellet to supplement their pasture diet. We purchase a 16% protein pellet in bulk and feed 2 cups per pig twice a day. Piglets and pregnant/nursing sows get a little more b/c of their nutrional needs are changing daily. Our pigs also get high quality alfalfa hay daily.

So.... if the kunekune is called a pasture pig why do we feed a protein pellet? Well, depending on your pastures, the protein content may not be exactly balanced enough for your pigs. For instance, spring grasses can be around 22% protein and summer grasses will drop to about 6%. Alfalfa provides keys nutrients such as calcium, magnesium and potassium. Depending on the nutrient levels in the pasture where the crop was grown, alfafa hay can provide high levels of vitamins A, D, E and K; selenium; riboflavin and niacin.

Protein is essential for growth and muscle tissue development. Amino Acids are also important for your pigs growth.

Since we have A LOT of chickens, the pigs get boiled egg treats occasionally. We like to boil them b/c it keeps all of the egg/protein contained for the pigs and not all over the ground. Eggs provide lysine, which helps the other amino acids combine correctly to form muscle protein. Pigs have a high requirement for lysine, a few eggs will not meet that requirement. So again, a balanced feed containing lysine is important.

Fruits and Vegetables are given when available. Our pigs love sliced sweet potatoes, carrots, apples, pears and an occasional piece of bread. The only things we never feed are white potatoes, cabbage, sugary foods or meats. We only feed food that has not been cooked (except for the boiled eggs).

We have a connection with a local brewery and occasionally get spent brewers grains. We tried feeding it to our kunekunes but we didn't get the growth results we wanted. The calves do well on it, as do the chickens.