Of the 400 million goats around the world, how many can actually faint? Fainting Goats are a somewhat smaller version of the standard goat that, thanks to a genetic condition known as "myotonia congenita," appear to faint whenever they are startled. The breed goes by several names — most commonly Myotonic Goats, Tennessee Fainting Goats, or Stiff Legged Goats — all pointing to myotonia congenita, a condition in which muscle cells stay contracted longer than usual after a fright. The brief stiffness that comes with these contractions can make a goat halt, go rigid, and even topple over. It isn't a true faint at all, but a muscular reaction that has nothing to do with the nervous system. How stiff a goat becomes varies widely from animal to animal and depends on several factors, including age, breed purity, and how frightened it is. We've recently launched our Fainting Goat program and have brought in quality breeding stock from some of the finest goat herds in the country. We sourced premium goats from Jessica Olivier of the Dixie Rock Ranch in Ipswich, South Dakota, and crossed them with goats we purchased from Dave Koop of Black Hawk, South Dakota. Because we started with excellent breeders, we've developed a flashy look all our own.
Common Questions About Our Fainting Goats
What exactly is a Tennessee Fainting Goat?
The Tennessee Fainting Goat is a somewhat smaller version of the standard goat that carries a genetic condition known as "myotonia congenita." When startled, its muscle cells stay contracted longer than normal, which can make the goat go rigid, stop moving, or even fall over. It isn't a real faint — it's a muscular reaction with no connection to the nervous system.
What other names do Fainting Goats go by?
The breed has several names. The most common are Myotonic Goats, Tennessee Fainting Goats, and Stiff Legged Goats — each referring to the myotonia congenita condition.
What makes Fainting Goats stiffen or fall over?
The stiffness results from the prolonged muscle contraction that a fright triggers. How stiff a goat gets can vary widely from one animal to the next and depends on several factors, including age, breed purity, and how frightened it is.
Where does Vollmer Ranch get its fainting goat breeding stock?
We brought in quality breeding stock from some of the finest goat herds in the country, including premium goats from Jessica Olivier of the Dixie Rock Ranch in Ipswich, South Dakota, crossed with goats we purchased from Dave Koop of Black Hawk, South Dakota.
Are fainting goats available for sale?
Yes. Our barnyard page lists fainter bucks, fainter does, and kids, with each animal marked as sold, retained, or for sale. Take a look at the Sale Barn page and get in touch with us for current availability.
How do I get in touch with Vollmer Mini Cattle?
You can reach Phillip Vollmer at 14856 139th Place, Piedmont, South Dakota 57769, by phone at 1-605-787-6235, or by e-mail.
Get in Touch
📍 14856 139th Place, Piedmont, South Dakota 57769
📞 1-605-787-6235
Curious about the fainting trait? Myotonia congenita is what gives these goats their signature stiff-legged reaction, and it shows up to different degrees in every animal. Browse our barnyard listings to see the fainter bucks, does, and kids we currently have, then reach out with any questions about the herd.