Kunekune Teat Count Guide
Teat count is one of the first things many breeders check when evaluating a Kunekune pig—but it's also one of the most misunderstood.
A pig with more teats is not automatically a better breeding animal, and a pig with fewer teats is not automatically a poor one.
Understanding what teat count actually tells you—and what it doesn't—is essential when selecting breeding stock.
Quick Answer
Teat count refers to the number of nipples a pig has on each side of its body. Counts are written as left side/right side, such as 6/6 or 7/7.
For breeding stock, teat count matters because piglets need access to functional teats while nursing. However, teat count should always be evaluated alongside structure, temperament, growth, mothering ability, and overall quality.
How Kunekune Teat Counts Are Written
Rather than listing the total number of teats, breeders usually describe teat counts by the number on each side of the pig.
| Notation | Total Teats | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 5 / 5 | 10 | Five on each side. |
| 6 / 6 | 12 | Six on each side. |
| 7 / 7 | 14 | Seven on each side. |
| 7 / 6 | 13 | Uneven teat line. |
| 8 / 8 | 16 | Occasionally seen, but quality still depends on function. |
Why Teat Count Matters
Every nursing piglet ideally has access to a functional teat. A sow with an adequate number of evenly spaced, functional teats is generally better equipped to raise larger, healthier litters.
Teat count is only part of the picture. Functionality, spacing, and placement are just as important as the number itself.
Functional Teats vs. Blind Teats
Not every visible teat can actually nurse piglets.
A functional teat has a developed mammary gland and can produce milk. A blind teat may look normal externally but lacks a functional milk-producing system.
| Functional Teat | Blind Teat |
|---|---|
| Well-developed, raised teat with open orifice | Flat, or underdeveloped teat, seeming to blend evenly on the skin surface |
| Produces milk | Cannot produce milk |
| Supports piglets | Provides no nursing value |
| Counts toward productive litter size | Should not be considered functional |
Because blind teats cannot always be identified by appearance alone, experienced breeders also evaluate teat placement, development, and family history over time.
Questionable teats may present themselves as small or underdeveloped that may require closer evaluation as the pig grows.
Our Teat Count Standards
| Animal | Our Goal |
|---|---|
| Replacement Gilts | A functional 7/7 is preferred, but an exceptional 6/6 female may still be retained if she excels in the other traits that matter most. |
| Herd Boars | We require a true functional 7/7 teat line because one boar can influence teat quality across an entire breeding program. A 6/6 or 7/6 boar has to really check a lot of other boxes strongly to be considered a keeper. |
AKKPS Teat Count Standards
The AKKPS requires pigs to have at least a 5/5 teat line in order to be registered. This is the AKKPS requirement, but we prefer ours to be more strict.Teat Count Is Only One Piece of the Puzzle
One of the biggest mistakes new breeders make is selecting pigs based on teat count alone.
A perfectly symmetrical 7/7 teat line cannot compensate for poor feet, weak legs, poor temperament, slow growth, reproductive problems, or inferior mothering ability.
Likewise, an outstanding sow with a functional 6/6 teat line may contribute far more to the breed than a mediocre 7/7 female.
Our philosophy: Evaluate the whole pig, not just one trait.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 7/7 teat count always better than a 6/6?
Not necessarily. A functional 7/7 teat line offers more nursing capacity, but breeding decisions should always consider the pig's overall quality, including structure, temperament, growth, and maternal traits.
Can a blind teat be identified in a piglet?
Not always. Some blind teats look normal externally, which is why experienced breeders also consider teat development, placement, and family history.
Why do you require 7/7 for herd boars?
Because a single boar contributes genetics to many offspring. Maintaining strong teat lines in herd sires helps improve nursing potential throughout future generations.
Can a 6/6 sow still be breeding quality?
Yes. An exceptional 6/6 sow with sound structure, excellent mothering ability, and strong overall performance may contribute more to a breeding program than a poorer-quality sow with additional teats.