Is it true that goats will faint when startled?
No, as a statement it is not true that ‘goats will faint when startled’. ***Nor even when referring to ‘fainting goats’ is it true either (read on). A few of the smaller domestic goat breeds are commonly called ‘fainting goats’ amongst other colloquial names. This excerpt from wikipedia explains it nicely… ” 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. ” ***In reality, the goat does not ‘faint’ as consciousness is maintained throughout the episode. And the full article… http:
