8 
BULLETIN 1376, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
sheep and cattle. In the worst cases it culminates in coma, which 
may continue for a prolonged period before recovery or death. 
Temperature. — In most cases, of both cattle and sheep, the period 
of poisoning is one of definite low temperature. This is particularly 
marked in the case of the sheep. The temperature is not extremely 
low, but is distinctly below normal and rises again with the recovery 
from the illness. Figure 2 shows the temperature curve of sheep 748 
and Figure 3 that of sheep 752. 
Fig 2.— Temperature curve of sheep 748, showing effect of 
Zygadenus nuttallii. Plant was fed July 2(j. Note severe 
depression in temperature tho following day 
Pulse and respiration. — In most cases the pulse is weak and more 
or less irregular. The rate varies, but ordinarily is not rapid for 
any prolonged time. The respiration is distinctly irregular. This 
irregular respiration, in severe cases, is accompanied by grinding of 
the teeth and groans. 
Effect upon feces. — There is not, in all cases, any marked effect 
upon the excreta. Sometimes, however, the feces are soft and contain 
more or less mucus. 
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Fig. 3.— Temperature curve of sheep 752, showing effect of Zygadenus nuttallii. Plant was fed in 
forenoon of July 28. Rapid depression in temperature, lasting several days, occurred 
Anorexia. — As would be expected in all severe cases, there is a 
more or less complete loss of appetite. 
The foregoing description of the symptoms of poisoning with 
Zygadenus nuttallii shows that the results of the poisoning by this 
plant are practically identical with those produced by other species 
of Zygadenus. As described in U. S. Department of Agriculture 
Bulletins 125, 1012, and 1240, it appears that the effect of Z. nuttallii 
is practically identical with that produced by Z. elegans, Z. gramineus, 
Z. paniculatus, and Z. venenosus. 
TIME BETWEEN FEEDING OF PLANT AND DEVELOPMENT OF SYMPTOMS 
In the case of cattle the feeding generally continued through a 
considerable period and it was not possible to tell just when the feeding 
was completed. In the sheep, on the other hand, the plant was 
