Why does AppleJack own pigs?

[ggg-2 3,552]

Because um......pigs are a farm stereotype? I guess?

[TerminalObsession 250]

Come to think of it that makes absolutely zero sense since I have no idea what use pigs have other than meat, and ponies don't eat meat. Come to think of it, I highly doubt they eat eggs either, so what use are chickens?

 

Equestria ponies do eat eggs. Rarity cooked Sweetie Belle eggs for breakfast in Sisterhooves Social for one example.

 

Also, how would you bake cake without eggs?

[PuppyKit 12]

Oh noez someone took my fertilizer point D'X

 

But anyway yes pigs have a number of uses on a farm, not just meat.

 

We know Apple Jack has to gather all the bruised and rotten apples so it's possible she then feeds that to the pigs as a quick and easy way of disposing of them then she could use the pigs for fertilizer as well. She could also use the pigs as a way to clear out weeds as has been stated. We have also seen that Farmers like to take pigs to rodeos and such and the 'cutest' pig gets a blue ribbon which is a pride for the farm.

 

Pigs have lots of uses outside meat, that's just the tastiest option for humans.

[AlbaTross 1,586]

Equestria ponies do eat eggs. Rarity cooked Sweetie Belle eggs for breakfast in Sisterhooves Social for one example.

That's true actually. Weird. I guess that's ok for them then. I'm not sure if that's at all accurate to the diet of real life ponies, but if Ponyville can survive a restaurant that serves daffodil sandwiches, then eggs should be no problem.

[Cwanky 17,571]

That's true actually. Weird. I guess that's ok for them then. I'm not sure if that's at all accurate to the diet of real life ponies, but if Ponyville can survive a restaurant that serves daffodil sandwiches, then eggs should be no problem.

Considering Equestria is a world with talking equines, dragons and other magical creatures, its not that much weirder. 

 

Aside from truffle hunting, to me it seems the other reasons for having pigs to help clear weeds compost. That or they simply serve as very high maintenance pets, which considering the large amount of land the Apples own, seems like a small task for them to manage.

[Kyoshi Frost Wolf 41,370]

Pet pigs are a thing and apparently pigs can be suuuuuper cute. Maybe not exactly when they are all super muddy, but then again, AJ is used to that. XD So I assume they are her beloved pets. I don't see her being so specific with how she cares for them if they ere just carnivore fodder. I mean, we all seen what she did just to feed them.

[Dreambiscuit 9,676]

Maybe, when the moon is full, Applejack just gets a hankerin' for bacon and grabs a little when no pony is looking. 

[Twilight Frost 271]

There is not enough to sell them to carnivores for any kind of real profit, so my guess is using them for chores, truffle hunting, or other farm work. Either that or ponies eat meat and that is their winters supply of it. 

[ScopeEva 38]

Well isn't it obvious?  It's for the meat!  Since meat is a far more effective and compact source of energy if is immeasurably more efficient on military campaigns!  Thus as prompted by a crown sponsored incentive system a stockpile of non-sentient live stock is kept to help during training exercises and in the event of war braking out with the surplus sold to peoples and restaurants catering to other species and those of... curious and exotic taste. 

[cuteycindyhoney 13,306]

Maybe she sells them to dragons?

Now I want to see Spike pick up a knife and fork and eat a pig!

[The Nth Doctor 662]

Lauren Faust said the pigs are there for truffle-hunting

 

Good enough reason for me

 

Also something something bacon because why the heck not

[cuteycindyhoney 13,306]

Lauren Faust said the pigs are there for truffle-hunting

 

Good enough reason for me

 

Also something something bacon because why the heck not

You only need one for truffle hunting. Roast pork with truffles does sound delicious though!