2012 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416): Our overall goal is to study the effectiveness of natural strategies in the control of enteric problems such as necrotic enteritis and Salmonella and Campylobacter infection and promote gut health in poultry raised under organic conditions, while assisting organic poultry producers to comply with the requirements of the National Organic Program. Specific research objectives are: Specific research objectives for University of Tennessee are to provide expertise in using 16S rRNA gene sequencing to support the: 1. Evaluation of the effectiveness of management strategies to prevent and control enteric pathogens in organic poultry; and 2. On-farm testing of effectiveness of treatments and strategies against enteric pathogens in organic poultry production systems. 1b.Approach (from AD-416): 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. 3.Progress Report: This project, funded through the Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Program, NIFA, USDA is a collaborative effort with the University of Tennessee. Studies are being conducted on using combinations of natural plant compounds and lactose (natural milk product), and management approaches customized for organic production; our objective is to develop comprehensive strategies to eliminate enteric diseases (necrotic enteritis) and foodborne bacterial contamination (Salmonella and Campylobacter) in organically raised poultry. Research is currently being conducted under Research Objective 1. Evaluate the effectiveness of management strategies to prevent and control enteric pathogens in organic poultry. We are currently conducting trials at the Organic Poultry Research Facility in Fayetteville, AR, evaluating the effect of pasture access and housing and feeding systems on the health of the birds and incidence of enteric pathogens.