There's a curious breed of goats that's found on some farms in central Tennessee that have a condition called myotonia congenita which causes their muscles when they are startled to freeze and get stiff legs for about ten seconds. This is followed by them falling over but without losing consciousness or having any ill effects. They do not actually faint; but show these motor symptoms.They are smaller and friendlier than other breeds of goats, and have protrubing eyes. They are kind of cute. Lewisburg, Tennessee in Marshall County has a goat festival each year honoring "fainting or nervous goats."
Here are some myotonic goats with their characteristic response to a startle.
The goats are probably fainting at the thought of either Ted Cruz or Donald Trump as president.
ReplyDeleteThey are entertaining creatures!
ReplyDeleteawww! poor things!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad they are not harmed in the process.
ReplyDeleteI know JUST how they feel!
ReplyDeleteI hope they don't feel foolish!
ReplyDeleteFascinating in a morbid way.
ReplyDeleteWhat a strange phenomenon! Very strange indeed, but contrary to Bilbo, I think they are startled by the idea of Hilary as president!
ReplyDeleteI thought I'd seen it all. Nope. Guess not.
ReplyDeleteThat's amazing!
ReplyDeleteI assume it's genetic. Interesting.
ReplyDeleteThey have some on Mississippi farms too.
ReplyDeleteDo they butt people too?
ReplyDeleteWhere can I get one of these?
ReplyDeleteMike,
ReplyDeletehttp://www.grimmacresfarm.com/fainting-goats-for-sale.php
What can you do with a fainting goat?
ReplyDelete