Fainting Hills

If you are new to the whole fainting goat thing, here is some information that might help you understand it better.

History

What is Myotonia?

Where did they originate?

Other interesting information.

Video clip

     As bizarre as this may sound, these goats have actually served an historical purpose. Shepherds often kept the goats in with their flocks as insurance in case a predator would attacks. The theory went something like this- as wolves would come down from the hills to attack a flock of sheep, the goats would become startled and they would faint. The sheep would make a clean getaway, as the wolves would focus on the stunned goats rather than follow the fleeing sheep. It was not that good if you were a goat, but the sheep liked it.

     This breed has several names- the most common are Myotonic, Tennessee Fainting, Nervous, stiff-legged etc. The names refer specifically to Myotonia congenita, a condition in which the muscle cells experience extended contraction when the goat is startled. The temporary stiffness related with these contractions can cause the goat to stop moving, stiffen, and even fall down.  The actual degree of stiffness may vary widely from goat to goat and is based on a number of factors, including age, species purity, and degree of fright.

     The breed's recorded history (as much as I know) reaches back to the 1880's, when a farm worker named John Tinsley brought four of them to Tennessee. Not much is known about Tinsley, though he is reported to have come from Nova Scotia. The breed soon became popular throughout the region, thanks to three major factors. First, they are less prone to climbing, therefore less escapes. Second, they have a higher degree of muscularity than their non-fainting relatives do. Finally yet importantly, they have a high reproductive rate usually two or more to a litter.

     Myotonia is the condition that causes Fainting goats to stiffen and/or fall over when startled.  This condition is caused by a combination of recessive genes.  Fainting goats can show varying degrees of Myotonia.  When startled some will fall to the ground with their entire bodies perfectly stiff and rigid.  Others will only stiffen in their limbs and not fall to the ground.  The condition lasts for ten to fifteen seconds after which time the animal will rise and walk off stiff, still showing a noticeable degree of stiffness in their back limbs.  After a short time this stiffness will disappear and they will walk and act like any other goat.  This condition only affects their external muscles so while in a Myotonic state the animal is fully conscious and aware of its surroundings.  In no way does this condition affect their life span and with proper care, they will live just as long as any other breed of goat.

     Their origin has been hunted after by a number of people but it only traces back to the early 1800's when a farm worker appeared in Marshall County, Tennessee, with three does and a buck that fainted.  It was thought by the way he dress that he might have come from Nova Scotia.  He was a quiet man and wouldn't talk to anyone so whatever he knew will remain a secret forever.  He eventually moved from Marshall County but before he did he sold his goats to Dr. H. H. Mayberry.  luckily, Dr. Mayberry bred them and tried his best to research their history.  He could find no proof of such a breed anywhere else in the world.  He was convinced they were a breed because their unique traits are hereditary.

     All colors, combinations, patterns, and markings seem to exist.  Hair  coats can vary from short to long, with many animals producing a noticeable amount of cashmere during the winter months.

Here is a video showing the fainting goats in "action".   This should convince you that fainting goats are the best.

This video will help you understand why the goats faint, and put it in terms so you can understand.