Goatober: Goat Fact of the Day (26)

Goatober: Goat Fact of the Day (26)

It's the last week of Goatober! Here is your Goat Fact of the Day.

The goats in this gif are often referred to as fainting goats. They're not actually fainting—they have a hereditary genetic disorder called myotonia congenita. It affects some domestic goats in North America, where they have become their own breed, though other breeds of goat may exhibit the trait as well. When myotonic goats are startled, their fight-or-flight instinct is triggered, causing the muscles to constrict. However, the muscles do not subsequently relax like they are supposed to, causing the animal to fall over.

Myotonia is a strictly muscular disorder and does not affect the brain. There is no pain involved when the goats fall over, and they don't lose consciousness (so not truly fainting).

Every October, fainting goats are honored at the Goats, Music, and More Festival in Marshall County, Tennessee, USA.

Goat Fact of the Day #25: http://imgur.com/gallery/vVfbpzx

Goat Fact of the Day #27: http://imgur.com/gallery/jup4nPO