Goats Native to Tennessee

Very few breeds of goat are native to the United States. In fact, there are only four native U.S. breeds, according to the Florida Meat Goat Association. The Tennessee fainting goat, also known as the myotonic goat, wooden leg goat and stiff-leg goat, is native to Tennessee.

  1. History

    • The Tennessee fainting goat is believed to have been first found in Tennessee in the 1880s when a farm laborer, John Tinsley, arrived in the state from Nova Scotia with four of the goats. When Tinsley left the state, it is reported that he left his herd of goats behind to be bred and used for meat by other farmers. In the 20th century, the Tennessee fainting goat was taken to Texas, where the largest herds in the United States are now kept for breeding for meat.

    Characteristics

    • There are a variety of sizes of Tennessee fainting goat born in the United States, ranging from 50 to 160 lbs., according to R Fainting Farms. The Tennessee fainting goat can be identified by its ears, which are larger and more horizontal than those of Swiss meat goats and smaller than those of Nubian goats. The goat has large prominent eyes and a good temperament. Tennessee fainting goats can be born with short and long hair, with some being able to produce cashmere from their coats.

    "Fainting"

    • Tennessee fainting goats received their name because the muscles of the breed tend to lock when the goat is startled, leading to the goats falling to the ground when scared. When they are scared, the chemicals usually released into the muscles to allow an animal to flee are restricted, leading to muscle contraction. This contraction causes the legs to stiffen and the goats to fall over in a "fainting" motion. The goats will then lie on the ground without moving for a few seconds. This contraction, referred to as "myotonia," can also occur when the goat is excited.

    "Fainting" Gene

    • Myotonia is a condition caused by a recessive gene within the Tennessee fainting goat, the origin of which is unknown. Different goats can have myotonia to different degrees, with some falling over when startled and others simply stiffening the muscles within their legs. The condition of myotonia affects only the external muscles of the Tennessee fainting goat, meaning that when the goat is startled it remains fully conscious and aware of its surroundings, according to the International Fainting Goat Association.