Pigs

by Thomas Coleman

This year Gravatt will begin raising pigs as part of the growing Gravatt Agricultural Compound. We will be raising Kunekune pigs, originating from New Zealand. 

Kunekune are hairy, with a rotund build and may bear wattles hanging from their lower jaws. Their color ranges from black and white, to ginger, cream, gold-tip, black, brown and tricoloured. They have a docile, friendly nature. The kunekune is believed to have descended from an Asian domestic breed introduced to New Zealand in the early 19th century by whalers or traders. They differ markedly from the feral pig of European origin known in New Zealand as a "Captain Cooker".The native Māori people of New Zealand adopted kunekune: the word kunekune means "fat and round" in the Māori language. The kunekune is covered in hair which can be long or short, and straight or curly. Hair colours include black, brown, ginger, gold, cream, and spotted combinations. It has a medium to short snout, that is black and either semilopped or pricked ears. It has a short, round body with short legs and two tassels under its chin. The kunekune stands about 60 cm (24 in) tall, making it one of the smallest domesticated breeds of pig. An adult kunekune can weigh between 60 and 200 kg, well below the 400 kg of commercial pigs.

These pigs will be raised to produce pork products to be served to our guests and will be used in our education programs. Our food philosophy leads us to using local, sustainable, seasonal, and educational food sources. Through educational programs based on our pigs we will display sustainable and natural techniques for feeding and caring for these animals. These animals will help us further teach where your food comes from, start to finish.

Stay tuned to the Gravatt Environmental Education Program Facebook page for news about the arrival of Gravatt's pigs. Contact Thomas Coleman for more information.