Summary
Deoxynivalenol (DON) — a harmful mould toxin commonly found in grain — is a real headache for Canadian pork producers. Existing solutions to remove it from feed are limited, costly, or not very effective.
Researchers from the University of Saskatchewan and Prairie Swine Centre tested a new material called magnetic graphene oxide (MGO) — tiny particles that can bind and remove DON from wheat, barley, and corn. They optimized treatment conditions for each grain type, then tested MGO-treated feed on nursery pigs.
MGO successfully reduced DON levels in all three grains. Pigs fed MGO-treated feed showed no negative effects on growth or nutrient absorption compared to untreated pigs.
This is promising early-stage research. MGO isn't ready for on-farm use yet, but it could eventually offer producers a safe, effective way to salvage DON-contaminated grain — reducing feed costs and protecting pig health.