When it comes to the actual word 'branding', its origins can be connected to the activity of marking of milk giving animals.

Farmers, animal owners often branded their cows and buffaloes with their signature brands. The milk of animals was always in demand and of course, costly. Though many of us may feel that this kind of branding does not have any connection to the modern-day phenomenon, I definitely have to disagree. Since milk was from a family of very well-cared and well-tended animals, it was recognized to be of very high quality and people were ready to pay more for it.