I think there is no significance in the killing of the fatted calf there was a custom in those days that there was always a calf fattening ready for festive occasions.
Possibly there is some allusion to calves as a sin/peace offering and the death of Jesus
Prodigal son
A "fatted" calf .
The cast of Fatted Calf - 1997 includes: Dermot Canavan as P.E. Teacher Anne Malone as Grandmother
The father in this Parable missed his younger son very much and when the son came home the father was over joyed and he called for a robe and a ring and then the fatted calf. The fatted calf was reserved for special times, like a sacrifice or a great feast celebration and the return of his son call for great celebration. The overall theme of this story is the joy of God, and the celebrations that occur in heaven when a sinner comes to God and repents and is given salvation.
it represented plenty and lack of famine.
This would be the parable of the Prodigal Son. I can not tell you the exact words because I do not know what translation of the Bible you are using, however,It is inLuke 15:11-32
The idiom to kills/slaughter the fattened calf basically means that you will celebrate with a friend or relative that you have not seen in a very long time.
It was not important from the Biblical view point, but, practically speaking, if you were to invite people to a BBQ, a fatted calf is the way to go (Luke 15:23,27,30). Because the calf meat (veal) is soft, and the fat coats the meat as it is melting over the fire, thus preserving the juices by preventing the meat from drying out, so you would try to find the fattest calf in your herd if you want to please your guests.
the dog did
The Prodigal was created in 1955.
The duration of The Prodigal is 1.87 hours.
No the prodigal son was not a real person, he was used by Jesus in the parable of the prodigal son