Gelatin, or gelatine, is a substance derived from the processing of animal collagen. Commercially, this is most typically obtained from cattle hides and bones and pigskins. Contrary to popular belief, it is not rendered from the feet or horns of animals, which are made primarily of keratin rather than collagen.elatin, or gelatine, is a substance derived from the processing of animal collagen. Commercially, this is most typically obtained from cattle hides and bones and pigskins. Contrary to popular belief, it is not rendered from the feet or horns of animals, which are made primarily of keratin rather than collagen.