About Myotonic Fainting Goats
Myotonic goats also known as Fainting, or Tennessee Fainting goats are a North American descended breed native to the mid-eastern states. These hardy goats come in a variety of different color combinations, sizes and coat types. They are well known for their distinguishing trait the myotonia which causes their muscles to freeze up when they are startled or frightened often causing them to topple over where their "fainting" namesake comes from.
Myotonic goats are a heritage breed and are categorized as a meat type of goat due to their myotonia contributing to muscle mass with a higher meat to bone ratio then other breeds of meat goats. Their range in size and coat type has enabled them to be used for many different purposes including meat production, novelty pets, cashmere and fiber producers, and brush land clearers. These goats have excellent gentle temperaments and make wonderful companions on the homestead. Most Myotonic goats are quite resistant to parasites and are very adaptable to the conditions of the mid-Atlantic due to being native to the area. They are not prone to testing fences and can usually be easily confined due to their myotonia inhibiting their ability to climb upon and push fences.
Myotonic goats can be registered with the Myotonic Goat Registry
and the International Fainting Goat Association. Some breeders have
developed miniature versions of the breed while others have
developed much larger versions more appropriate for meat production.
Whatever their purpose the fainting goat is a unique and wonderful
breed that has many wonderful traits to offer farmers.