Alvin Alvarado, Bernardo Predicala – Mycotoxins in grain, especially deoxynivalenol (DON), are a common problem for pig producers. In North America, most grain samples contain some level of DON, which can reduce feed intake and slow pig growth.
Researchers tested a new approach to break down DON using a special powder made from magnetic graphene oxide (MGO) with zinc oxide (ZnO) or titanium dioxide (TiO2) added as photocatalysts. The powder was mixed with contaminated wheat and then exposed to LED light for a few hours to trigger a reaction that helps destroy the mycotoxin.
The MGO-TiO2 treatment reduced DON levels by about 62% after two hours and up to 81% after six hours of light exposure. The MGO-ZnO treatment showed a lower reduction of DON than MGO-TiO2 but higher than MGO alone. Untreated grain showed no reduction. This study points to a possible future tool for salvaging lower-quality grain and reducing the risks of feeding contaminated feed.
