WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A GOOD STEWARD OF THE KUNEKUNE BREED
By AKKPS Member Paula Toney of Liberty Farms
The Kunekune pig, a rare and unique breed hailing from New Zealand, is known for its small size, docile temperament, and distinctive appearance. For those fortunate enough to raise these marvelous pigs, good stewardship is vital to ensuring the quality and longevity of the breed. A good steward not only provides the best care for the animals in their care but also works diligently to improve the breed and educates new owners about the breed.
PROVIDING THE BEST POSSIBLE CARE FOR THE ANIMALS
A responsible steward ensures that their Kunekune pigs are given the highest level of care. This involves providing a clean and safe environment where the pigs can thrive. Owners and breeders alike should prioritize the pigs’ well-being by giving them access to a balanced diet, adequate shelter, and appropriate medical care. Kunekune pigs, although hardy, require attention to their specific nutritional needs and should be fed fresh, high-quality pasture and supplementary feed. A good steward will also monitor their pigs for signs of illness or injury, intervening quickly when needed to ensure the animals' well-being. Kunekune pigs are low maintenance livestock, but they do require routine care like hoof trims, worming, and vaccination to keep them in the best shape possible.
WORKING DILIGENTLY TO IMPROVE THE BREED
In the 1970’s the Kunekune breed were disappearing because there was no registration and preservation program in their native New Zealand. Because of the conservation efforts of Michael Willis and John Simister, the breed was brought back from the edge of extinction. Today it is our role as breeders to preserve and improve the breed. A good steward takes an active role in improving the Kunekune breed for future generations. This means not only ensuring the health of their current animals but also engaging in selective breeding practices to promote desirable traits such as hardiness, temperament, and genetic diversity. It is essential for stewards to understand the breed's history and traits so that they can make informed breeding decisions. This could involve tracking ancestry, breeding/registering/selling only the best offspring, and working with other breeders to exchange genetic lines that strengthens the overall health and genetic pool of Kunekune pigs. This includes having a farm plan in place, from the beginning, to only breed and sell pigs that meet breed standards. Animals that are not of breeding quality should be altered or utilized in a meat program. By focusing on the breed's long-term sustainability and health, stewards play an essential role in preserving this rare and valuable breed for future generations
EDUCATING AND MENTORING NEW OWNERS
One of the most important roles of a good steward is to educate and mentor new Kunekune pig owners. As the popularity of the breed grows, it is essential that new owners are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to care for these unique pigs properly. A good steward will share their expertise on topics such as feeding, housing, breeding, and general pig care. They will also mentor new owners in understanding the breed’s temperament and needs, ensuring that pigs are raised in a manner that reflects the high standards of stewardship. By providing guidance, new owners are more likely to continue the responsible practices that promote the welfare of the Kunekune pig breed.
AKKPS EDUCATION SECTION OF akkps.org (click here)
Good stewardship of the Kunekune pig breed is essential to its preservation and improvement. By providing excellent care, working to enhance the breed, and sharing knowledge with new owners, stewards ensure the long-term health and success of this special breed. Through these efforts, the Kunekune pig will continue to thrive and contribute to sustainable farming practices for generations to come.