I am very new to pigs and do not have any kunekune yet (only Berkshire). There are none in our area and I must bring them in from a great distance, so it takes a great deal of time. But I am planning for Late Fall or next year.
I am experienced with the breeding of dogs, sheep, and poultry. I use a computer program to create and maintain pedigrees for all of our dogs and sheep. My database for the dogs includes over 250 entries. With these I am able to calculate the inbreeding coefficients and do breeding predictions for future planning. We tend to plan 3 breedings into the future at all times. That way we can maintain a goal for our overall breeding program. For the sheep there are specific traits that we are breeding towards and without an accurate pedigree we would never be able to reach our end goal.
We have rare breeds that must be brought in, therefore the gene pool is extremely limited, and because of that when we are bringing in breeding stock it is always with the plan of creating an independent and selfsustaining population. In other words we create our own line(s) that can be maintianed and used for outcrossing. That way we are able to continue to breed and improve our stock without being forced to constantly bring in new outcross stock. Bringing in stock usually means a 2-3000 km drive or flying them in from another continent. Our breeding dogs cost obscene amounts in the end.
When I look at the kunekune and what I would likely do with them I can't help but think of a breeding program that would be similar.
I have spoken with a couple of people about the breeding that they do and I have been reading the information on the different websites for the associations in GB, New Zealand, and the USA. I have not been able to understand how people are doing their breeding. I don't understand how pairings are chosen and how the pedigrees are maintained. Everyone talks about the different Lines that their pigs come from, but it doesn't make sense to me. It sounds like the females are always named after the sows Line, and the males are named after the boars Line. Is that correct? If so that does not fit with how we track the genetics of our animals. How can you have accurate pedigrees this way? What am I missing? I must have something confused. How can you tell if you are linebreeding, outcrossing, or inbreeding?
For some background information: I am medically trained and experienced with basic animal husbandry, my wife is a university researcher and is trained in genetics and the manipulation of animal genotype/phenotype through planned breeding programs. So we have some good understanding of the basics of breeding program developement.
Does anyone use any pedigree programs for their kunekune? I would love to know what people are using. The program I use does not includes pigs at this time so I don't have any genotype information for the kunekune. An understanding of the heritability of different traits would be very helpful. The colour variations in the breed will make it challenging to understand. The Piri Piri seem easier to understand along with size, etc.
If anyone can help me to better understand how they are doing their breeding and record keeping I would really appreciate it. I don't want to rock the boat by doing something different, but right now I might have to because I am confused.

Thank you all for your help.