Fainting Goats Breed: Characteristics and Care Tips

 The Origin and History of Fainting Goats

There is no denying that fainting goats also known as Myotonic goats or Tennessee Fainting goats have an interesting history. It was in the 1880s when the breed history began with a farm laborer by the name of John Tinsley who moved to Marshall County Tennessee with four goats with a very ‘froggy’ gene. These goats would ‘faint’ meaning their muscles would stiffen when frightened due to a genetic condition.

Over several generations, this feature became a kind of uniqueness of the breed, and fainting goats were deliberately bred for this condition. Farmers found them practical since their stiffening made it easier for them to be handled and less likely to take off. Nowadays, however, they are not appreciated only for this outstanding feature but also their social temperament.

Fighting the Fainting Phenomenon: Fact or Fiction

The fainting phenomenon in these goats is a result of a genetically inherited disorder known as myotonia congenita. A fainting goat will fall over like it has fainted because its muscles go rigid for between 10 and 20 seconds after being alarmed. Contrary to popular perception, the goat remains completely conscious and does not feel any discomfort.

Dispel false beliefs. The holler goats do not faint and the condition is not detrimental to the animals. The stiffening is a temporary phenomenon and the goats can resume these activities as soon as possible. Such traits can be impressive and funny to see, and some would even say such thanksgiving is an added advantage to the breed.

Features That Make Fainting Goats Unique

Fainting goats are medium-sized herding animals with a muscular physique. Adult goats usually weigh approximately between 60 and 174 pounds and stand at a height of 17 to 25 inches. Of course, the myotonic condition is their most reliable feature, but they also have other unique characteristics.

These goats also have large round eyes and many coat colors and patterns. They are mild and quiet, and therefore, are usually ideal for family farm pets. Such friendly and inquisitive people make goat farmers and goat lovers’ lives much easier and more interesting.

Basic Management Practices for Fainting Goats

Management of fainting goats includes the provision of ready feeds, medical attention, and an appropriate shelter. A diet that meets the requirements of the goats such as good quality hay, clean water, and the right supplements should be made available to them.

In addition, fainting goats should be provided with sufficient space for browsing and grazing. Shelter helps to shield them from harsh weather conditions. Other important components of care include regular hoof care, vaccination, and parasite control and treatment. Under normal circumstances, fainting goats will do best in the presence of other goats and or other livestock animals.

Why it Is Advantageous to Have Fainting Goats as Pets or as Farm Animals

Goats that faint are quite notable for their delightful presence and general calm attitude, which makes them suitable animals for even children and hobby farmers. What’s also interesting about these goats is the fact that they possess a myotonic trait that adds to their appeal.

On farms, these goats can serve different functions; they can be raised for meat and milk or just kept as pets. They are also very tolerant which makes them easy to handle even for most novice goat keepers. In any case, fainting goats are sweet and flexible animals that are a great source of pleasure and productivity in any household and farm.

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