There is a specific breed of goat that “faints” whenever it gets startled. It is a breed of domestic goat whose external muscles freeze for roughly 10 seconds when the goat is startled.
Though painless, this generally results in the animal collapsing on its side with the side effect of everyone around laughing their asses off.
The characteristic is caused by a hereditary genetic disorder called myotonia congenita. Older goats sometimes learn to lean against something to prevent their falling over, and often they continue to run about in an awkward, stiff-legged shuffle.
Now that we’ve all had a good laugh, here is a little more information about this breed of goat.
Myotonic goats are also called Wooden Leg goats, “stiff leg” or Tennessee fainting goats. These are one of the few goats that are indigenous to the U.S. There are two strains of this animal. Most of those found in Tennessee and the eastern U.S. are smaller. When the goat is being fed or becomes startled its muscles become stiff allowing the goat to fall on the ground in a fainting position.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I swear, every time I see this it gets funnier. Wolves call them fast food.
I think this is horrible. Awful people, teasing and frightening the goats like they don’t have anything better to do. Poor goats.
Sue,
You are correct. It is horrible. It’s kind of like making fun of people who have a disability.
Unfortunately, at the same time it is pretty funny. I wonder why we are wired like that?
John
This story is very funny and his all style is very very stagger.
i raised fainting goats , a dozen of them ! some are more easier fainters than others , and by the way people who thinks thats mean, not true ! they faint if you start a lawn mower , clap your hands ( loud noises that are not intended for them ) I came around the corner to go behind the barn to check on them and they would faint ! also it can be a defense for them looks like there dead so predator will chase the ones still running ! so its not cruel it just happens !
also i loved my fainting goats , i dont abuse animals ! so if they faint they faint , you can yell for your kids to come in anything can trigger them ! so i did live in tennessee . fainting goats they rock !