MYOTONIC GOATS

The 2007 kids are here! Check out our “Goats For Sale” page to see our bucklings and doelings. We have tri-colors, black and whites and a gorgeous white and buff. Add some color to your herd!

GOATS FOR SALE

What is a Myotonic goat?

Myotonic goats are also known as Fainting goats, Nervous goats, Stiff goats and Wooden leg goats. They carry recessive genes for Myotonia. This Myotonia causes the goat’s muscles to become very stiff and rigid whenever the goats become frightened or excited. The stiffness lasts only for about 15 seconds. Depending on the degree of Myotonia the goats entire body and limbs can become so stiff that the goats will actually topple over onto the ground. Others may only stiffen enough to show an obvious stiffened gait. The goats remain perfectly conscious during the episode and will get up and walk away acting like any other breed of goat. It does not effect their health or life span at all.

Where did they come from?

Early in the 19th century, a farmer from Nova Scotia, brought a few of these fainting goats to Marshall County, Tennessee. His goats were sold to a local doctor who continued to develop these goats as a new breed. The Myotonic goats unusual traits proved to be hereditary and a distinguishable breed was established.

What do Fainting goats look like?

Myotonic goats come in a variety of colors. Though many are black and white there are many colors including gray or blue, brown, sorrel and various combinations of colors. Their coats can be short to very long, an almost cashmere quality. Some are polled, some have horns. The size ranges from small to large, 20 pounds to 150 pounds. A distinguishable feature of a Myotonic goat is that they usually have large, prominent eyes.

 

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