Description of the breed of goats that fall when frightened and the reasons for their fainting when frightened
Goats are bred by farmers and owners of small private farms. The meat and milk of these domestic animals are especially appreciated. All types of animals behave differently when frightened, but there are goats that fall when frightened. Their peculiarity is determined rather not by selection, but by genetic mutation. Scientists from all over the world who are interested in preserving such a population are still interested in this phenomenon.
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 disorder. At the same time, the origin of the gene that is responsible for this property is still not known.
The only thing that has been proven is that the gene is transmitted, but manifests itself in relatives through a generation. Also, scientists have proven that when a normal goat is crossed with a myotonic one, a faint look is born.
The first mentions of swooning goats date back to 1880. The mentions say that one of the Tennessee farmers sold 4 small goats of a unique breed to a local livestock breeder. According to his stories, they froze when they saw danger.
Now this breed is rare, and its existence continues only thanks to breeders, who in the 1980s. kept the 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.
It is sad that sometimes farmers use animals as bait, sometimes they release them into pasture instead of dogs. The animal quickly notices a predator and falls, becoming both easy prey and a savior for the herd. But it must be taken into account that this is not only cruel, but also ineffective, especially in situations when more than one predator is moving into the herd.
Main reasons
Fright 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 next to the goat began to behave aggressively.
- Nearby, a passing car was moving fast or making loud noises.
- Severe overeating and other reasons.
Their nervous system is designed in such a way that they can get scared even after a slight nervous overstrain.So, it can be a meeting with a goat of the opposite sex, which seems cute to the animal, or the owner offers a portion of food that is larger than the standard one. The latter reason is relevant if they are offered a lot of grain (one of the favorite treats of swooning goats).
The animal that has survived the fright paralyzes the 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 muscle muscles are paralyzed. Because of these abilities, they are also called stiff-footed or wooden.
Genetically laid down so that the breed not only falls, paralyzed by fright, but has a relatively large weight. They are lazy and passive in behavior, slow. Interestingly, a newborn animal can also be numb for up to 10 seconds.
Features of swoon goats
As for the appearance, the average height of individuals of this breed is 45-65 cm, weight - 30-80 kg, but males reach 100 kg. The shape of the body 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.
Fainting goats reach adulthood at 4 years of age. Life expectancy, on average, is 13-14 years. Animals have a developed maternal instinct. Heart disease is not uncommon for swooning goats. In case of illness, such animals are easier to treat than ordinary ones. They are comfortable with 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 that, apart from their genetic characteristics, they are no longer remarkable.
What to do if a goat faints
After the goat has fainted, it lies motionless for up to 15 seconds, after which the paralyzed muscles begin to recede. As soon as she feels relief, she tries to get up, but the movements will be constrained and chaotic for a couple of minutes. In 1-2 minutes after fainting, the animals return to their normal life.
Because of this, if there are no predators nearby, and the blow after fainting was not strong, fainting goats do not need help or care.
On rare occasions, the danger may lie in a bad fall. Fainting goats fall on their backs when paralyzed, so they can run into a sharp or hard object in a ridge. In theory, they can also get damage if they are frightened while running fast. In practice, cases of injury during fainting are very rare.
Human interaction
Goats, which, when frightened, fall and freeze for a while, are mainly used in farms for a specific purpose. This is the use of a herd as a shepherd or a distraction in the event of a predator attack. The animals are calm, balanced. They also earn money by filming entertainment shows and contests. Such animals are a real highlight on farms that often host tourists. Scientists also come to such farms who continue to study the phenomenon.
In Tennessee, every fall, there is even a festival dedicated to this breed of goats. At the event, animals are given a lot of attention, entertaining contests, fairs are organized for guests, there is a music program.
Farmers do not breed only this species at home, since it is not profitable and not advisable. The best option would be keeping unconscious goats in a herd along with the usual ones.
