Myotonic fainting goat history
A Myotonic goat, also known as a "fainting goat" is a domestic goat whose muscles freeze for roughly 10 seconds when the goat feels excited or startled. Though painless, this generally results in the animal's collapsing on its side. The characteristic is caused by a hereditary genetic disorder called myotonia congenita. When startled, younger goats will stiffen and fall over. Older goats learn to spread their legs or lean against something when startled, and oftentimes they continue to run about in an awkward, stiff-legged shuffle.Fainting goats have many other names, including Myotonic Goats, Tennessee (Meat) Goats, Nervous Goats, Stiff-leg Goats, Wooden-leg Goats, and Tennessee Fainting Goats. Fainting goats have a muscle condition called myotonia congenita. This is a condition which occurs in many species, including humans. The goats do not truly "faint" in any sense of the word, as they never lose consciousness because of their myotonia. They remain fully conscious. We are a proud member of the Myotonic Goat Registry!!