Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe gastrointestinal disease in premature infants and a leading cause of death in neonates (1-7% in the US). NEC is caused by opportunistic bacteria, which cause gut dysbiosis and inflammation, ultimately resulting in intestinal necrosis. Current NEC interventions include broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment and/or small intestine surgical removal, which can have harmful effects. Even with surgical intervention, NEC global mortality rates are 6-9% (1-7% in the US) [3]. Various potential animal NEC models have been utilized to study the disease; however, the disease, sensitive in vivo NEC biomarkers, and possible interventions remain undefined. Crop-based bioactive compounds have previously been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties and positively modulate the gut microbiome, providing a viable alternative for NEC treatment. Chapter 1 summarizes NEC pathology and essential background on the disease. Chapter 2 systematically reviews the literature on NEC dietary bioactive compounds utilized in vivo from the last six years. Chapter 3 discusses a new in vivo model for NEC and the efficacy of the Gallus gallus model for NEC. Chapter 4 investigates the benefits and nutritional effects of catechin and 2 short-chain fatty acid alternatives on improving intestinal functionality and morphology and altering the gut microbiome in vivo. Chapter 5 investigates nicotinamide riboside and 2 other short-chain fatty acid derivatives on the intestinal function and morphology in ovo. To conclude, Chapter 6 highlights significant findings in chapters 2-5 and suggests future.