Yes! Fainting goats really do exist!
Without watching the footage of these goats being scared, you probably wouldn't entirely believe that they exist. However, the "fainting goats", real name "myotonic goats".
A fainting goat is a breed of domestic goat whose muscles freeze for roughly 10 seconds when the goat is startled. Though painless, this generally results in the animal collapsing on its side. The characteristic is caused by a hereditary genetic disorder called 'myotonia congenita'. When startled, younger goats will stiffen and fall over. Older goats learn to spread their legs or lean against something when startled, and often they continue to run about in an awkward, stiff-legged shuffle. Although the condition lessens with age in goats.
They are also called, "wooden leg goats" or "freezing goats" Although this is very amusing for us to watch, this is also thought to be a natural defense mechanism, in the same way that spiders play dead, is thought that goats may freeze and play lame for a similar reason. Take a look at the video...we challenge you to watch it without laughing!
Without watching the footage of these goats being scared, you probably wouldn't entirely believe that they exist. However, the "fainting goats", real name "myotonic goats".
A fainting goat is a breed of domestic goat whose muscles freeze for roughly 10 seconds when the goat is startled. Though painless, this generally results in the animal collapsing on its side. The characteristic is caused by a hereditary genetic disorder called 'myotonia congenita'. When startled, younger goats will stiffen and fall over. Older goats learn to spread their legs or lean against something when startled, and often they continue to run about in an awkward, stiff-legged shuffle. Although the condition lessens with age in goats.
They are also called, "wooden leg goats" or "freezing goats" Although this is very amusing for us to watch, this is also thought to be a natural defense mechanism, in the same way that spiders play dead, is thought that goats may freeze and play lame for a similar reason. Take a look at the video...we challenge you to watch it without laughing!
