Myotonic Goats

Originating in the early 1880's in Tennessee, myotonic goats also called fainting goats, suffer from a hereditary condition called myotonia congenital which can cause its muscles to stiffen for short periods of time. This can cause Fainting goats to fall over or 'faint' when startled.
This fainting affect doesn't harm the goats in any way and is simply a by product of their muscles relaxing much more slowly after tensing up then in other species. 

Their Purpose on the Farm:

 Myotonic goats were originally bred as a meat goat due to their relatively large amount of muscle in the rump and chest for their size.  Their smaller stature and fainting condition also makes fainting goats ideal as pets since they are not able to jump as high as other breeds and are more easily contained.

At Island Hill Farm, we breed fainting goats mainly for meat as well as to breed as pets. Fainting goats are very gentle and make a great addition to our big pen, where they love interacting with our visitors! The small ones may even try and jump in your back if you crouch down! 
Fainting goats have a lifespan of 10 to 18 years, which is average for goats. They tend to grow to be around 43 cm (17 inches) tall and can weigh between 60 and 170 lbs.

While you can milk the does after they have given birth, they are not nearly as productive as our Nubian or Nigerian dwarf goats.

Interesting Facts about Myotonic Goats:

• Myotonic goats suffer from a hereditary condition called myotonia congenital which causes their muscles to relax much more slowly then is normal when becoming startled or scared.
• The 'Goats, Music, and More" festival is held each year in Tennessee to celebrate all things fainting goat!
• The most common coloring in fainting goats is black and white, though other color combinations are possible.