Use of Natural Strategies to Alleviate Enteric Pathogens in Organic Poultry

Approach:
As part of a USDA Organic Research and Extension Initiative funded proposal research and extension objectives will be conducted in cooperation with collaborators from the ARS Unit in College Station (Byrd), University of Arkansas Fayetteville, University of Connecticut, Appalachian State University, University of Tennessee, Penn State University, University of Arkansas Pine Bluff and the University of Kentucky focused on a comprehensive approach to reduce pathogen and disease sources in organic poultry production systems. Caprylic acid (CA) is a natural, fatty acid present in bovine milk and coconut oil, and is an FDA-approved food-grade compound. Trans-cinnamaldehyde (TC) is also a food-grade compound naturally present in cinnamon oil. Our preliminary research indicates that CA and TC are bactericidal on Salmonella and Campylobacter, highlighting the potential of CA and TC as new tools to control these pathogens in organic poultry. In addition there is evidence that these compounds may reduce necrotic enteritis in birds and a disease model will be used to assess this approach. In addition treating birds and the litter with natural products such as these essential oils, probiotics and bacteriophage will also be assessed.