Goats that fall when frightened: causes and description of the phenomenon

Goats are bred by farmers and owners of small private farms. The meat and milk of these domestic animals are especially valued. All kinds of animals behave differently when frightened, but there are goats that fall down when frightened. Their peculiarity is due, rather, not to selection, but to a genetic mutation. Such a phenomenon is still of interest to scientists from all over the world who are interested in preserving such a population.

A bit of history

For the first time, fainting, or myotonic, goats began to be bred in the US state of Tennessee. They turned out in the process of unplanned changes in selection.Animals can fall when frightened due to a rare genetic disease. However, the origin of the gene responsible for this property is still unknown.

The only thing that has been proven is that the gene is transmitted, but it appears in relatives through the generation. Scientists have also proven that when an ordinary goat is crossed with a myotonic goat, a fainting look is born.

The first mention of fainting goats dates back to 1880. The references say that one of the farmers in Tennessee sold 4 small goats of a unique breed to a local livestock breeder. According to him, they were dumbfounded when they saw the danger.

Now this breed is rare, and its existence continues only thanks to breeders who in the 1980s. kept breeding. In 1989, a special association was created that supports the breeding and preservation of the purity of the gene pool of this species. Scientifically, the disease was described in 1904.

Today breeders are restoring livestock. Basically, American farmers are engaged in the work of restoring the gene pool.

It's sad that sometimes farmers use animals as bait, sometimes they let them out to pasture instead of a dog. The animal quickly notices the predator and falls, becoming both an easy prey and a savior for the herd. But keep in mind that this is not only cruel, but also ineffective, especially in situations where more than one predator is moving towards the herd.

Main reasons

Fear of any kind can be the cause of fainting in goats. These situations include:

The goat noticed the approach of a predatory animal.
The man who is standing near the goat began to behave aggressively.
A nearby car was moving fast or making loud noises.
Great overeating and other reasons.

Their nervous system is designed in such a way that they can get scared even after a slight nervous strain. So, it can be a meeting with a goat of the opposite sex, which seems cute to the animal, or the owner offers a larger portion of food than the standard one. The last reason is relevant if you offer them a lot of grain (one of the favorite delicacies of fainting goats).

A frightened animal paralyzes its muscles, it falls on its back or on its side with outstretched legs. It has been proven that in this state they do not feel pain and are fully conscious, but at the same time the muscular muscles are paralyzed. Because of these abilities, they are also called stiff-legged or wooden.

Genetically designed so that the breed not only falls, paralyzed when frightened, but has a relatively large weight. They are lazy and passive in behavior, slow. Interestingly, a newborn animal can also become numb for up to 10 seconds.

Features of fainting goats

As for appearance, the average height of individuals of this breed is 45-65 cm, weight - 30-80 kg, but males reach 100 kg. The body shape of the animal is barrel-shaped, the eyes are slightly protruding. The coat is smooth, with a slight sheen, a thin undercoat grows for the winter. Black and white color prevails.

Funning goats reach adulthood at 4 years old. Life expectancy, on average, is 13-14 years. Animals have a maternal instinct. For fainting goats, heart disease is not uncommon. In case of illness, such animals are easier to treat than ordinary ones. They are calm about the haircut process.

They give little milk, but they are bred as meat breeds. It is believed that their meat is not fatty, it has good taste. Some scientists believe they are unremarkable other than their genetic makeup.

What to do if a goat fainted

After a goat has fainted, it lies motionless for up to 15 seconds, after which the paralyzed muscles begin to recede. As soon as she feels relieved, she tries to get up, but for a couple of minutes her movements will be constrained and chaotic. After 1-2 minutes after fainting, the animals return to their normal lifestyle.

Because of this, if there are no predators nearby, and the blow after the faint was not strong, the fainting goats do not need help or care.

In rare cases, the danger may lie in an unfortunate fall. Fainting goats in case of paralysis fall on their backs, so they can run into a sharp or hard object with a ridge. Theoretically, they can also receive damage if they are frightened while running fast. In practice, cases of injury during fainting are very rare.

Human Interaction

Goats that fall down and freeze for a while when frightened are mainly used on farms for a specific purpose. This is the use as a shepherd of the flock or a distraction in case of a predator attack. Animals are calm, balanced. They also earn money by filming entertainment shows and contests. Such animals are a real highlight on farms that often receive tourists. Scientists come to such farms and continue to investigate the phenomenon.

In Tennessee, even a festival dedicated to goats of this breed is held every fall. A lot of attention is paid to animals at the event, entertaining contests, fairs are organized for guests, there is a music program.

Farmers do not breed only this species at home, because it is not profitable and not advisable. The best option would be to keep faint goats in a herd along with regular ones.