Allen's Acres Farm
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All About Myotonic Goats
Fainting Goats have been called many different names over the years, Nervous, Stiff Legged, Wooden Leg, Fainting, and Myotonic Goat.
Most people will know these goats as Fainting goats or Myotonic goats. As a breed these goats have distinctive, and quickly recognizable characteristics that are only seen in this breed of goat.
These goats don’t actually “faint” and become unconscious, they just stiffen and sometimes fall over when they are unexpectedly startled. Fainting Goats have a genetic condition called myotonia that causes their muscles to stiffen when they are startled or get excited. This stiffening often causes them to lose their balance and fall over. They are not having a seizure and it doesn’t hurt them. They are fully conscious and once they relax, (10-15 seconds), they get up and are on their way. I've seen them continuing chewing hay while lying stiff legged!
The effects from the myotonia can range from a mere stiffening in the legs, where the goat’s knees are locked, to a complete stiffening of the body, where if the goat is off-balance it will fall over.
This stiffening of the muscles builds muscle, much like a body builder would by lifting weights. Myotonic goats have powerful muscular bodies and smaller bones, thus a higher meat to bone ratio, which makes them a great meat animal.
Myotonic Goats are a medium sized goat (compared to other breeds) and can be horned or polled.
They are a multi-purpose breed, raised for pets, meat, milk and fiber. In general they are a very proud, calm and docile breed, and have personalities that will capture your heart. One must keep in mind that myotonia is not the only characteristic of this breed.
Myotonic goats don’t jump or climb and they aren’t escape artists! Myotonic goats have a high meat-to-bone ratio, and they’re feed-efficient and quiet. They’re efficient browsers and require little supplementary feed to maintain condition. The does are extremely maternal and they’re gentle with other does’ kids.
Our mature breeding bucks are non-aggressive and easily handled—we move them from field to field on leads. These are hardy goats not requiring extra care and pampering. As medium-sized goats, they require less feed and less dewormer, they take up less pasture space and they fit in smaller shelters. A producer can run twice as many head on his land compared to larger breeds. They’re happy, healthy, well-adjusted and well-adapted.
Our new herd buck, Poppy, is a registered silky Myotonic goat.
Quinn usually has a few kids for sale every spring.
