Feeding KuneKunes
KuneKunes, known as pasture pigs, predominantly derive their nutrition from pasture grasses and forbs. While they thrive on a diet primarily composed of these natural elements, it is crucial to supplement their grazing with specialized pig feed to guarantee they receive essential minerals and nutrients. Our insights into successful pig management, gained from mentors and fellow farmers, emphasize the significance of this balanced approach on our own farm.
About Pig Feed
When it comes to pig feed, the options typically include mash, crumble, or pellets. Our preference has consistently leaned towards pellets, and we even opt for making our own pellets from mash when possible. This choice is driven by practical considerations – mash tends to be dry and powdery, resulting in considerable food wastage and potential respiratory issues. Pellets, on the other hand, offer a more structured form, aiding in the prevention of selective eating, ensuring that pigs receive a well-rounded intake of all essential nutrients rather than just targeting the tastiest portions.
Given that KuneKunes are classified as lard pigs, with a tendency to accumulate fat rapidly, the choice of feed becomes a critical factor. It is essential to opt for feeds with lower protein content compared to those designed for commercial meat breeds. Look for feeds with approximately 16-18% protein, 1-1.5% lysine, 3-5% fat, and salt levels below 1%. The lower protein content is crucial to maintain the health of your pigs without encouraging excessive weight gain. Lysine plays a pivotal role in aiding pigs to efficiently utilize protein and essential amino acids in their diet. Additionally, it is imperative to keep salt levels minimal, as larger quantities can be toxic to pigs.
How much should you feed your pig?
Our approach consists of two daily feedings: one in the morning and another in the late afternoon. The approach to feeding is tailored to the specific developmental stage of each pig and the environmental factors that may impact their dietary needs. In winter, when there is snow accumulation and pasture availability is limited, we adjust the feed quantities, adding an extra scoop or two based on the pigs' condition and cold weather.
Gestation: 3 lbs / day
Lactation: 5-9 lbs / day
Pre-Weaning/Weaning: FREE FEED** (Make sure momma pig can’t get to it)
Grower: 3-4 lbs / day
Maintenance: 2-4 lbs / day
The importance of weighing your feed
Many online resources may suggest feeding a specific quantity, such as two cups of food per adult pig per meal. However, these recommendations often overlook the crucial factor of the feed's form—whether it's in mash, crumble, or pellets. Furthermore, not all feeds are equal, with pellets from different manufacturers varying significantly in weight. It's important to recognize that 1 cup of mash does not weigh the same as 1 cup of crumble or pellets.
To accurately determine the appropriate amount you should be feeding your pigs, it's essential to establish the weight of 1 cup of your specific pig feed. Once you have this weight measurement, you can then calculate the number of cups needed to align with the weight-based guidelines mentioned earlier. This tailored approach ensures a more precise and effective feeding strategy for your pigs.
Winter Feeding
Living in an area that experiences harsh winters with measurable snowfall, like ours, requires supplementing your pigs' feed with hay, considering their nature as pasture pigs. However, hay can be both expensive and prone to wastage. An alternative to consider is incorporating alfalfa pellets into their diet. Since alfalfa pellets can be bitter, it's advisable not to feed them directly. Instead, add them to your pigs' regular feed or mix them with warm water. This not only breaks down the pellet form but also provides the pigs with a "warm meal," which they are likely to appreciate, especially during colder weather. It's a practical solution that minimizes waste and enhances the overall feeding experience for your pigs in winter.
Treats
Our pigs have a particular fondness for bananas and squash, and we've found a budget-friendly approach to providing these treats. Whenever we visit the local grocery store or gas station, we seek out the cheapest bananas, often those marked for discount before disposal. As for squash, we recommend checking with local pumpkin patches after Halloween for discarded pumpkins. Additionally, we make efforts to grow our own pumpkins and various squash varieties, with success using the Milpa Garden Warm Season mix from Green Cover.
During the scorching summer months, our pigs relish frozen coconut cream treats. To make these, simply freeze coconut cream (typically found in the Asian aisle at the grocery store; note, it's coconut cream, not coconut oil) in ice cube trays. These frozen delights offer a cool, creamy treat that also contributes to addressing dry skin issues. It's important to emphasize moderation when providing treats, ensuring a balanced and healthy dietary approach for your pigs.