The Kunekune
The Kunekune (pronounced cooney-cooney) is a “heritage” pig known for its ability to fatten on pasture, innate mothering instincts, docile temperament, disinterest in roaming and climate adaptability. Yielding marbled red meat, the sweet succulent pork of the Kunekune has garnered the attention of chefs, artisanal butchers and charcuterie specialists.
Kunekunes are ideal for farmers looking to add a sustainable and low-impact breed. Their docile temperament allows for peaceful co-habitation with livestock and poultry. The Kunekune’s resourceful foraging abilities support rotational grazing, benefiting the land, the livestock and the frugal farmer. They can also be incorporated into the burgeoning biodynamic farming model, finished on whey from dairies, spent grain at the brewery, garden waste at the CSA, and wind fallen fruit at the orchard.
History
The Kunekune is thought to be of Asian origin, but can only be traced back to the early 1900s when they were kept as a landrace breed by the native Mauri people of New Zealand. The docile temperament and social nature of the breed is likely the product of the Mauri as gentle keepers, who valued the breed for its high lard content and easy temperament. As European settlement increased, resulting in shifting culinary trends, the Kunekune population began to dwindle. By the 1980s only 18 pigs remained, and became the basis of the New Zealand Foundation Herd Book. British swine geneticists joined the conservation efforts, successfully expanding the few remaining bloodlines. In the 1990s, the first Kunekunes arrived in the United States where a limited number of breeders worked diligently to continue to expand and preserve the genetic purity of the line. Today, there are hundreds of breeders in the United States and many more throughout Europe.
Confirmation
Kunekune, meaning “plump” or “round” is a heritage hog smaller in size than a traditional commercial pig with sows weighing 250lbs and boars 300lbs. Kunes are compact, with short to medium legs, a long, level back and deep chest. This frame carries a nice amount of densely marbled flesh and fat. Kunekunes are known for their broad heads, dished faces and short snots. Ears vary in size and shape and can be alert or lopped. Kunekune’s are striking in appearance, known for their hair, which can be curly or straight, thick or thin and a combination of solid and spotted gingers, creams, blacks, and browns.
For a complete list of breed standards, visit the American Kunekune Pig Registry website at www.americankunekunepigregistry.com.
Why Choose a Kunekune?
Let me count the ways…
Kunes are:
- Sustainable on Grass
- Easy Keepers
- Great Neighbors (co-habitate with livestock and poultry)
- Friendly
- Intelligent
- Stunning in color variety and composition
- Root free
- Excellent all-purpose pigs
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