Goats are one of the most popular animals worldwide because they serve many purposes for people. They provide companionship, brush control, delicious milk, tasty low-fat meat, and soft hair to spin into warm yarn. Goats require simple housing, and do not need a lot of space. They are easy to handle, and transport.

Though the origin of the Fainting goat is not known, the prevailing tale is, during the late 1800’s, a farm worker named John Tinsley, arrived in Marshall County, Tennessee. He had with him three nanny goats, and a billy goat. The goats exhibited a strange trait of falling down stiff when startled. The goats were later purchased by a Dr. Mayberry, and were the first of a line that flourished throughout the state of Tennessee. It is believed that all the Fainting goats in the U.S. can trace their origins back to these four.

Tennessee Fainting goats, sometimes known as the “Myotonic,” “Scare,” “Stiff Leg,” “Texas Nervous,” or “Wooden Leg” are a rare type of meat goat, with an estimated population of under 15,000 animals. The genetic trait of myotonia is a neuromuscular condition that causes them to stiffen and sometimes fall over when startled. Myotonia occurs in the muscle fiber, not as a function of the nervous system. The goat stays fully conscious and there is no pain involved when in the myotonic state. Frequent tensing and relaxing of the muscles gives Fainting goats heavy thighs, making them good meat animals. Though very sure-footed, the myotonia also keeps the goats from climbing or jumping like other goats, making them easy to confine and good pets.

Fainting goats are easy kidders and make some of the best mothers in the goat world.
Even a first time mother will rarely need any assistance during the birth, or in tending the new kids. Twins are most common, but triplets and quadruplets may also appear.
A cashmere undercoat can also be seen in many Fainting goats during the winter. The level of cashmere varies from one animal to another, but once winter is over they will fully shed the cashmere and return to a straight or slightly wavy coat.
Fainting goats, are in general, a very calm docile breed. They carry themselves with dignity and while they are cautious, they seem to have the ability to evaluate a situation before they take action. They are also a quiet breed, and not known for being very vocal.
Best of all, each goat has its own personality. Very simply --- Fainting goats are fun.