Records suggest that humans began raising animals about 10,000 years ago – and they looked very different from the animals we eat today.
Intensive breeding has left cows, sheep, chickens and other domesticated animals transformed into 'superbreeds' buffed up to produce more meat, and grow far more quickly.
In the 19th century, evolutionary biologist Charles Darwin noted that breeding led to 'striking differences between farm animals and plants and their wild counterparts'.
Although this observation helped layout the foundation for Darwin's theory of evolution, it was also theorized about the future of the meat we would put on our plates.
WHEN WERE ANIMALS FIRST DOMESTICATED?
It was sheep, goats, cattle, pigs and geese that were among the first animals to be specifically raised for human consumption, which didn't occur until around 10,000 years ago, according to Ancient History Encyclopedia.
Goats and sheep were the earliest to be bred for food around 7000 BC, pigs 6500 BC and horses were tamed by 4000 BC, a majority of them were used for work and warfare, but some cultures raised them as a food source.
Chickens were tamed around 10,000 years ago, but were first bred for cock fighting in Southeast Asia, reports National Geographic.