What are Fainting Goats?

Fainting goats are small-statured, American domesticated goats raised primarily in the Southern US. They are known by numerous other names, like Tennessee Scare Goats, Tennessee Meat Goats, Nervous Goats, and Stiff-leg Goats. Although fainting goats are in the meat goat class, they tend not to be raised for meat, but rather to keep open areas free of brush and nicely chewed down.

Fainting goats come by their many peculiar names because they all suffer from a condition called myotonia congenita. This causes the fainting goats to have all their muscles lock up for about 10 seconds when they become startled or excited. In young goats, this condition usually results in the goats toppling over for a few seconds numerous times a day.

The strange behavior of fainting goats often endears them to their owners, and since it does not harm the animals, it can be somewhat amusing to watch. Numerous YouTube sites feature the fainting goats, and it truly does not take much to startle them. In fact owners often report that even feeding time can make the fainting goats so excited that they will momentarily fall over, usually with an accompanying bleat or two. The fainting goats quickly get back on their feet to pursue their favorite activities of munching on feed or landscape.

Adult fainting goats often learn to cope with this sudden locking up of the muscles, and may simply prance at a stiff gait for a few seconds while the muscles remain locked. However, invariably, until the kids learn to cope with the condition, they roll over for a few seconds when startled. Some adults are not very adept at coping, and if exceptionally startled, may still drop to the ground.

Even though fainting goats are classified as meat goats, they are almost never raised as meat animals because the breed is considered very rare. Sometimes they are merely bred as pets, or for animal shows. Owners also boast of the friendly and intelligent personality of these goats, who seem to take life’s tumbles with great forbearance. Some people call them doglike in their devotion to owners and other farm animals.

Fainting goats are one of nature’s peculiarities in mildest form. Myotonia congenita does produce strange results. It fortunately does not harm the fainting goats in any other way than the above mentioned. In fact with the exception of these 10-second muscle locks, fainting goats have a normal life expectancy and excellent health.

Fainting goats, also known as myotonic goats, have a genetic condition called myotonia congenita, which causes their muscles to freeze for roughly 10 seconds when they're startled. This isn't true fainting as they remain conscious, but their stiffened muscles make them fall over, giving the appearance of fainting.

No, fainting goats are not harmed when they experience their characteristic muscle stiffening. The condition is painless, and the goats recover quickly with no lasting harm. However, owners must ensure their environment is safe to prevent injuries during these episodes.

Fainting goats are relatively rare compared to other goat breeds. Originating from Tennessee in the 1880s, they have been bred more for novelty and curiosity. Despite their rarity, they have gained popularity due to their unique trait and are now raised in various parts of the world.

While fainting goats can be used for milk or meat, they are not typically the first choice for commercial production due to their smaller size and the myotonic trait. They are primarily kept for breeding, as pets, or sometimes for weed control, rather than for large-scale dairy or meat production.

The myotonic condition in fainting goats is genetic and thus not treatable or preventable. Breeding two myotonic goats will result in offspring with the condition. It's a hereditary trait that has been perpetuated through selective breeding, and it does not diminish the quality of life for the goats.

Fainting goats do not require significantly different care from other goat breeds, but owners should be mindful of their condition. It's important to provide a safe environment where they can't hurt themselves if they stiffen and fall. Otherwise, standard good practices for goat care, such as proper nutrition, shelter, and veterinary attention, apply.