by Angie Pollock

Created on: December 23, 2008

Myotonic goats, also known as the fainting goat, Tennessee fainting or scare goat and the Stiff-leg goat, are a smaller breed of goat that have a condition known as myotonia congenita. Fainting goats do not actually faint but when startled or when the goat becomes excited, their muscles stiffen causing them to stop moving and sometimes fall to the ground.

Myotonia congenita is an inherited disorder that can also be found in humans. A voluntary contraction will cause the inability of the muscles to relax. This disorder can cause muscle enlargement and increase the strength of the muscles.

This nervous reaction in Myotonic goats lasts for mere seconds and the reaction can vary depending upon the goat's age, breed purity and how startled the goat has become. The condition, caused by a recessive gene, affects the external muscles thus allowing the goat to be fully aware during one of these "fainting" sessions. Experts state that the condition doesn't shorten the life of the goat and with regular goat care, Myotonic goats can live as long as their goat counterparts.

There is not much information pertaining to the history of fainting goats prior to the 1800's. Marshall County, Tennessee is reportedly the first place that this breed was first discovered in the United States. A farmer, John Tinsley, who moved to the area, had with him four fainting goats (3 does and 1 buck) that he later sold to Dr. H. H. Mayberry.

Although not historically proven, fainting goats may have been used by sheep herders to protect their flocks from predators. Fainting goats were added to sheep herds so when the herd came under attack from a predator, the goat would faint thus giving the predator an easy meal and allowing the sheep herd to escape. Farmer John Tinsley was reportedly from Nova Scotia but the true origins of the fainting goat are not known.

The Myotonic goat can be found in almost any color with black and white being the most prominent colors seen. The length can vary from short to long and some of these goats can produce a beautiful amount of cashmere during the winter months. The fainting goat is considered a docile breed that makes a wonderful pet but can also be raised for meat production.

This breed has gained much popularity in recent years as more of a "novelty" pet and comes with a price tag of $300 to $600 each. In late 1989, The International Fainting Goat Association was formed to preserve this unique breed of goat and has created standards list for this breed.

The fainting goat is known to not be climbers making them less likely to escape as most goat breeds are notorious for. The fainting goat is a unique breed with a hefty price tag compared to other breeds. Breeders and owners adore their fainters and highly recommend the breed for those considering purchasing goats.

REFERENCES:

http://www.faintinggoat.com/

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