2017 Goat Show Applications

2017 Boer Goat Show Application

2017 Myotonic Goat Show Application

Boer Judges:  Bailey Bergherm, Corey Billups, and Jeff Thomas  Myotonic Judges:  Wade Buntin, Jason Brashears, and Tara Lawrence.

What are Fainting Goats?

Myotonic goats are also called Wooden Leg goats, “stiff leg” or Tennessee fainting goats. These are one of the few goats that are indigenous to the U.S. There are two strains of this animal. Most of those found in Tennessee and the eastern U.S. are smaller. Most Texas herds tend to be somewhat larger, probably due to selective breeding for the meat market. In fact, some ranchers have renamed them Tennessee Meat Goats.

They also have a market as pets because they are unique. Myotonic means when they are frightened or excited they “lock up” and often fall over (faint) and lie very stiff for a few seconds. It is an over-simplification, but the chemicals which are rushed to humans’ muscles and joints to prepare them for “fight or flight” are withheld in the Myotonic under exciting or frightful circumstances.

No one really knows their origin, but there are two theories. One of the possibilities is that a private herd sold to a Tennessee farmer around 1880 was the beginning of the breed. A man named John Tinsley arrived in Marshall County, Tennessee, with four goats, a billy and three nannies, which he had brought from Nova Scotia. When he moved on a year later, he left his goats behind. It is believed that all the Fainting goats in the U.S. can trace their origins back to these four.

The other is that there was a spontaneous mutation of a herd in Tennessee about 1885 which resulted in the recessive gene.

The American Livestock Breed Conservancy has placed this breed of goat on their “rare” list, with an estimated world population of under 10,000. They have now been discovered as excellent crossbreed stock for the Boer goat, a meat goat which was imported from South Africa. The “fainting” gene is recessive, therefore it is usually not expressed in crossbred animals.

Reference and Permission:
Professor Clint Rusk
Department of Animal Science – Oklahoma State University

What Makes A World Champion?

It takes a special individual with many outstanding qualities. You can’t just pick one up at the local auction barn. It takes planed breeding programs. Quality animals are chosen each year by their owners and special attention is given to diet and exercise. As these animals grow, they are trained to walk and stand properly on a lead by their handler. Many breeders across the country aspire to achieve Grand Champion titles throughout the year to be eligible for the World Grand Champion Title which is held in Lewisburg, Tennessee each autumn. Since 2012, All animals must be registered with the Myotonic Goat Registry which is the largest myotonic herd book in the United States. Goats are judged on breed character, conformation, and structural correctness. Listed below you will find a collection of the World Grand Champions:

2003 Goats, Music, & More Festival Champions:
Grand Champion Doe – Red Bud Eight Star, exhibitied & owned by Jan Likens.
Grand Champion Buck – Nix’s Jack, exhibited & owned by Tracie Vandelle.
Mayors Cup Award – Gowan’s Daisy, exhibited by Connie Nichols & owned by Bobby & Dora Gowan.