sikäarvo

Sikäarvo is a term used in Estonian to describe the monetary value or worth of a pig. Historically, the value of a pig was a significant indicator of wealth and sustenance for rural households. The term encompasses not only the live weight of the animal but also its potential for meat, lard, and other byproducts. Factors influencing sikäarvo included the pig's breed, age, health, and market demand. In agricultural economies, a good sikäarvo could mean the difference between prosperity and hardship for a farmer.

While the direct economic significance of individual pigs may have diminished in modern, industrialized farming, the concept of sikäarvo remains a part of Estonian rural vocabulary. It can sometimes be used metaphorically to refer to the perceived worth or value of something, especially in informal contexts. Understanding sikäarvo provides insight into traditional Estonian agrarian practices and the historical importance of livestock in the rural economy. The term itself is a compound word, with "siga" meaning pig and "arvo" relating to value or worth.