291 B1 TheEffect of Fermentation and/or Sanitization of LiquidDietson the Feeding Preferences of NewlyWeaned Pigs V. Demeckova, C.A. Moran,C. Caveney, A.C. Campbell, V. Kuri and P.H. Brooks seale-Havne Facultv. L)niversity of Plymouth,Ncwton Abbott, DevonTQ12 6NQ, UK 'f[e objective of this study was to examine the potential of chlorine dioxide to suPpress bacterial contamination and hence produce a 'biosafc' f'eed for the young piglet. Chlorine dioxide at a concentration of 300 pprn proved to bc effet;tive in eliminating coliforms from the feed and clicl not affect the palatability of the diet or feed intake of piglets. 'Ihe study improves our understanding of the effects of controlling the preparation of 'biosafe' feecl, maintaining feed intake of the piglet and hence reducing postwcaning growth check and improving the welfare and hcalth of the pig. lntroduction It has been dernonstrated that liquid feed- ing can improve the fcecl intake, growth, feed conversion and health of weaner piglets (Brooks ef o1., 1996). However, in sorne instances f'eeding fermented feed has resultecl in reduced feed intake due to poor palatability. Steeping of feed in water enables the proliferation of epiphytic col- iforms. The objective of this study was to examine the potential of chlorine dioxide (ClOr) to suppress bacterial contamination in liquid feed and hence produce a 'biosafe' feed for the young piglet. Chlorine dioxide is a strong oxidizing and sanitizing agent with a broad antimicrobial spectrum. It has recently received attention due to its potential advantages over othcr chlorine- based sanitizers (Berg ef o.1., 1986). It has potential applications in the food industry (Foschino et aI., 1968; Beauchat ef o1., 1998) and is also one of the most effective disinfectants for use in water, as it is active against bacteria and viruses (iunli ef o.1., 1997). Chlorine dioxide is not considered to represcnt a health ancl welfare risk to thc young pigs. Materials and Methods An experiment was condur;ted using a two- factor faclorial design. Factor 1 was lhe concentration of ClO, (sanitech; Alltech, Inc., Kentucky, tlSA) added at time 0 (0, 1O0. 20U, 300.400. 500 ppm). Factor 2 was the timc at which colifornrs were enumer- ated (tl, 3, 6, and 24 h). Feed was prepared using a commercial weaner pig diet (2.5 feed:1 water) and was steeped at 30'C for 24 h. Coliforms were enumerated on violet red bile agar (Oxoid, England) using a ser- ial dilution and pour plate technique. Data were log transformed and analysed by GLM-ANOVA and comparison of means was performed by lukey's post-hoc test. The pigs experiment was according to a randomized incomplete block design with six paired dietary treatments and four replicates. Each pig was offered, ad libitum, a choice of two liquid feeds from