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The original was posted on /r/askhistorians by /u/hellohahahahu on 2024-01-24 14:58:01+00:00.

I understand keeping cows or chickens as they produce milk and eggs throughout their lifespan, that way they are useful for the years they’re alive for until the day they’re used for their meat.

But what about pigs? They take years to grow and don’t produce anything in the meantime. Early farmers would have to take care of them for years, feeding them, keeping an eye on them, cleaning the enclosure… a lot of work. Just for a few meals once the pig is slaughtered.

It doesn’t seem very worth it from the point of view of a poor ancient farming family.