Insulin Extraction from Slaughtered Cattle and Pigs

Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels in the body. It is primarily produced in the pancreas of humans and animals. In the past, before the advent of genetically engineered insulin, insulin was extracted from various animal sources. Among the options provided, slaughtered cattle and pigs were commonly used for insulin extraction. Here's a detailed explanation:

1. History of Insulin Extraction
- Insulin was first discovered and isolated by Frederick Banting and Charles Best in the early 1920s.
- Before the development of synthetic insulin, animal insulin was the only available source for treating diabetes.

2. Animal Sources for Insulin Extraction
- Different animal species were used to extract insulin due to the similarities in their pancreatic structure and insulin composition.
- The most commonly used animals for insulin extraction were cattle (such as cows and oxen) and pigs.

3. Slaughtered Cattle and Pigs
- The pancreas of slaughtered cattle and pigs was collected for insulin extraction.
- The animals were typically raised for meat production, and their pancreas was a byproduct used for medical purposes.

4. Insulin Extraction Process
- The pancreas of slaughtered animals was carefully isolated and cleaned.
- The insulin-producing cells, called beta cells, were extracted from the pancreas tissue.
- These beta cells were then processed to extract insulin, which was purified and prepared for medical use.

5. Advancements in Insulin Production
- With the advancement of biotechnology, genetically engineered insulin has become the primary source of insulin production.
- Recombinant DNA technology allows for the production of human insulin in bacteria or yeast, eliminating the need for animal sources.

Conclusion
In the past, before the development of genetically engineered insulin, slaughtered cattle and pigs were commonly used for insulin extraction. The pancreas of these animals contained insulin-producing cells that were processed to extract and purify insulin for medical use. However, with the advancement of biotechnology, synthetic insulin produced through recombinant DNA technology has replaced animal-derived insulin as the primary source.