Baby goats don't actually freeze in the literal sense of becoming cold. Instead, the "freezing" behavior refers to the temporary muscle stiffness seen in some breeds, often called "fainting goats." This isn't fainting, but rather a genetic condition.
Myotonia Congenita: The Cause of the "Freeze"
The locking up or "freezing" behavior is caused by myotonia congenita, a rare genetic disorder. This condition affects the skeletal muscles, primarily in the back legs.
- How it works: When startled or excited, the goat's muscles suddenly tighten (myotonia), causing them to stiffen and sometimes fall over.
- Duration: The stiffness is temporary, lasting only a few seconds to minutes. The muscles then relax, and the goat returns to normal.
- Not fainting: Despite the name "fainting goats," they do not lose consciousness during these episodes.
Which Animals Can Have Myotonia Congenita?
While famously associated with goats, myotonia congenita can affect other animals, including:
- People
- Horses
- Dogs
- Cats
- Mice
In summary:
The term "freezing" when referring to baby goats describes the temporary muscle stiffness caused by myotonia congenita, a genetic condition that is often referred to in the common name, 'fainting goats'. The goat's muscles tighten upon being startled, sometimes resulting in them falling over, however, this does not mean that the goats are freezing from a cold temperature.
