Effect of iron-manganese oxide on the degradation of deoxynivalenol in feed and enhancement of growth performance and intestinal health in weaned piglets

Deoxynivalenol (DON), a prevalent and highly toxic mycotoxin in animal feed, poses significant risks to livestock health and productivity. This study evaluates the effectiveness of iron-manganese oxide (Fe/Mn oxides) in degrading DON. The DON degradation rate of Fe/Mn oxide reached 98.46 % in a controlled solution under specific conditions (0.2 % concentration, 37–85 °C, pH 6–7, 1-minute reaction time). When applied to actual feed, it reduced DON levels by approximately 49.3 % and remained stable in simulated gastrointestinal environments of weaned piglets. A 28-day trial involving 48 weaned piglets assessed the impacts of Fe/Mn oxides on health and growth. Results indicated that piglets consuming contaminated feed without the treatment exhibited reduced growth and compromised gut integrity, which were significantly mitigated by the addition of Fe/Mn oxides. Therefore, Fe/Mn oxides effectively reduce DON in feed and alleviate adverse health effects in piglets, making them a viable option to enhance safety and performance in mycotoxin-prone environments. Fe/Mn oxides degrade more than 98.5 % of deoxynivalenol (DON) in vitro and 49.3 % in feed. They also alleviate growth and intestinal health problems in piglets, improving safety in DON-prone environments. • DA effectively degrades DON contamination in animal feed. • DA offers partial protection to piglets against toxicosis caused by DON. • DA mitigates the negative impact of contaminated feed on the intestinal integrity of piglets. • DA supplies essential micronutrients, including iron and manganese salts, for animal feed.