$3.34 million USDA grant will forward organic poultry industry

Nearly 2,000 farms comprise the U.S. organic poultry industry, according to 2021 data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. However, this sector still faces numerous obstacles, including disease management, feed availability, production efficiency, food safety, and effective marketing.

University of Connecticut assistant professor Abhinav Upadhyay will lead a research team using a $3.34 million U.S. Department of Agriculture grant to find some answers. UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) will support four research areas to provide sustainable global solutions.

Microbial safety: Salmonella and Campylobacter jejuni are the most concerning pathogens responsible for 2 million U.S. foodborne infections yearly. Active ingredients from cinnamon, oregano, and clove essential oils will be used as organic antimicrobials, in the form of emulsions in drinking water for chickens. The anti-Salmonella phytochemical emulsion will be tested in turkeys. Probiotics will be explored to enhance chicken health, along with a vaccine to protect against both pathogens.

Mary Anne Amalaradjou, a co-investigator on the grant and associate professor of animal science at UConn, has demonstrated the efficacy of probiotics in improving health and growth of chickens.

Gut health and production efficiency: The emulsions and probiotic treatments will be tested for efficiency in field trials, with support from other participating institutions.

Product quality: Impact of the treatments on the quality of chicken egg and meat quality, including flavor and taste, will be analyzed.

Consumer perception and cost: Market strategies will be developed and cost-benefit analysis will be performed to enhance consumer preference for organic chicken despite its higher cost.

“This initiative aligns perfectly with the organic research and extension initiative goals,” says Indu Upadhyaya, food safety extension faculty. Planned are on-farm extension trainings, workshops, and conferences targeting organic poultry producers and the public.

Organic & Non-GMO Insights October 2024