Capon

To produce a capon, a rooster not more than 8 weeks old is castrated (causing hormonal changes) and fed a diet high in fat; the end result is a succulent and tender bird ideal for roasting. By one account, the capon was invented by Roman breeders who, due to a grain shortage, were forbidden to raise fattened hens. Snubbing the law, they fattened male birds instead.