Wednesday, January 27, 2016

The Fabulous Fainting Goats of Tennessee

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.



16 comments:

Bilbo said...

The goats are probably fainting at the thought of either Ted Cruz or Donald Trump as president.

John A Hill said...

They are entertaining creatures!

TexWisGirl said...

awww! poor things!

Big Sky Heidi said...

I'm glad they are not harmed in the process.

Cloudia said...

I know JUST how they feel!

Chuck the Grumpy Cat said...

I hope they don't feel foolish!

Mariette said...

Fascinating in a morbid way.

Linda Kay said...

What a strange phenomenon! Very strange indeed, but contrary to Bilbo, I think they are startled by the idea of Hilary as president!

Blue Grumpster said...

I thought I'd seen it all. Nope. Guess not.

Duckbutt said...

That's amazing!

Hell Hound said...

I assume it's genetic. Interesting.

Meredith said...

They have some on Mississippi farms too.

The Bastard King of England said...

Do they butt people too?

Mike said...

Where can I get one of these?

eViL pOp TaRt said...

Mike,
http://www.grimmacresfarm.com/fainting-goats-for-sale.php

Grand Crapaud said...

What can you do with a fainting goat?