RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To validate the decreasing body temperature effect of Semen Ziziphi Spinosae extracts (SZSE) on chickens in hot environment and study its functions of sunstroke and hot-stress prevention. METHODS: Ninety 1-day-old San-huang chickens were randomly divided into air-conditioning group, hot-treatment group,and SZSE group. The feed for SZSE group was added SZSE as 1 g/kg. The recta temperatures were recorded when chickens were 1, 14, 35 and 42 days old, and chickens were weighed when they were 35 and 56 days old. RESULTS: The body temperatures of SZSE group were remarkably lower than the hot-treatment group at 14th, 35th, 42th day (P<0.05), but the average daily weight gain was higher at 35th and 56th day. CONCLUSION: SZSE can decrease body temperature and increase weight gain of chickens in hot environment.