Comparative effects of theobromine and Cocoa Bean Shell (CBS) extract on the performance, serum constituent profile and physiological parameters in rabbits

The effects of theobromine and an extract of cocoa bean shell (CBS) on performance, serum constituent and physiological parameters were compared in rabbits. Synthetic theobromine (300mg/kg) and theobromine from CBS extract (3000mg/kg) were administered through oral gavage for 10 days. Synthetic theobromine and theobromine from CBS caused significant (p < 0.05) decrease in feed intake, body weight gain and significant (p < 0.05) increase in water intake relative to control. Theobromine also caused a significant (p < 0.05) increase in rectal temperature, pulse and respiratory rates. Serum parameters revealed that synthetic theobromine and theobromine from CBS had no significant (p > 0.05) effect on Na+, K+ and total protein. Synthetic theobromine induced significant (p < 0.05) increase in the values of ALP(Alkaline phosphatase), AST(Aspatate amino transferase), urea, creatinine and glucose while CBS extract containing an equivalent amount of theobromine also caused significant (p < 0.05) increase in these parameter compared with the control but lower than the effect from the synthetic theobromine. However, 50% mortality was recorded among rabbits administered with synthetic theobromine. The results suggest that poor performance and physiological disorder ascribeable to cocoa based diet is caused by theobromine. Keywords: Synthetic theobromine, CBS extract, rabbitsGlobal Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences Vol. 14 (3) 2008: pp. 253-256