\paperw4290 \margr0\margl0 \plain \fs20 \f1 \fs22 An integral part of agriculture, stock raising was the subject of long and detailed treatises by ancient agronomists.
Oxen, horses, mules, sheep, and pigs were raised on a large scale and using tried and tested criteria for the selection of breeds and prevention of disease. This activity supplied the animals required for transport and working the fields, as well as wool
, hides, and meat. The raising of barnyard animals was also common: chickens and hens of various breeds, as well as capons, geese, ducks, pigeons, turtle doves, and peacocks. \par
