A lot of people write off Kune Kune's as 'pets' - way to cute, couldn't possibly eat that and oh my - expensive bacon
Can I put forward a case
FOR keeping Kunes for meat (okay, so I know I'm biased, since I have them - but hear me out
)
1) They don't tend to root up the land as much as a 'standard' pig.
2) They do not require the same amount of feed as 'standard' pigs.
In fact standard pig feed has too high a protien level and is inclined to make then run to fat. I feed mine on wheat feed pellets (which are cheaper than pig nuts) at half the amount for 'standard' pigs (ie. half a pound for each month of age) only when there is no grass or supply of fruit and veg. They will grow well on good grass and a suppliment of fruit and veg during most of the year.
3) They can be housed in a smaller area and with a smaller house than 'standard' pigs (meaning you can fit more in
)
4) They're REALLY hardy ! My adults have been out ALL winter and up here in Scotland there's been a few -20 C nights and deep snow - they cope brilliantly with it, being so hairy.
The meat is wonderfull - full of flavour and well worth sampling. So although it's a slightly higher outlay and they take longer to reach slaughter size (10 months onwards) there are big savings to be made in terms of feeding and butchering charges - I've not worked out exactly how the numbers stack up - but I'm sure they won't work out any more expensive than 'standard' pigs.
So c'mon guys, give the little guys good consideration when buying your next weaners !
(Just as a matter of coincidence, I've got a litter due soon
)
Karen
Topic: Getting excited now!! (Read 7248 times)
