Raising Myotonic goats, also known as “fainting goats,” can be a profitable venture if done correctly. These unique goats are known for their genetic condition called myotonia congenita, which causes their muscles to stiffen when startled, making them temporarily fall over. While this trait doesn’t harm the goats, it makes them a fascinating breed for hobbyists, pet owners, and commercial farmers alike.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about raising Myotonic goats for profit, including:
- Understanding Myotonic Goats
- Choosing the Right Breeding Stock
- Housing and Fencing Requirements
- Feeding and Nutrition
- Health and Veterinary Care
- Breeding and Kid Management
- Marketing and Selling Myotonic Goats
- Legal and Financial Considerations
By the end, you’ll have a solid foundation for starting a profitable Myotonic goat operation.
Table of Contents
1. Understanding Myotonic Goats
What Are Myotonic Goats?
Myotonic goats are a heritage breed originating from the United States. They are medium-sized, muscular goats with a docile temperament. Their most distinctive feature is their myotonic condition, which causes temporary muscle stiffness when they are startled.
Why Raise Them for Profit?
- High Demand as Pets & Novelty Animals: Their unique fainting trait makes them popular as pets, exhibition animals, and social media stars.
- Meat Production: They produce lean, flavorful meat with good market demand.
- Low Maintenance: They are hardy, easy to handle, and require less fencing than other goat breeds (due to their tendency to stiffen rather than jump).
- Breeding Opportunities: Purebred Myotonic goats can be sold at premium prices.
2. Choosing the Right Breeding Stock
Selecting Quality Goats
- Pedigree & Registration: Purchase registered goats from reputable breeders (e.g., Myotonic Goat Registry (MGR) or Livestock Conservancy).
- Health & Genetics: Avoid goats with a history of severe health issues. Ensure they exhibit the myotonic trait (test by clapping loudly to see their reaction).
- Temperament: Choose calm, friendly goats, as aggressive ones are harder to manage.
Male vs. Female Ratio
- Start with 1 buck (male) for every 10-15 does (females) to prevent overbreeding.
- Rotate bucks to maintain genetic diversity.
3. Housing and Fencing Requirements
Shelter Needs
- Basic Shelter: A three-sided shed protects goats from rain, wind, and extreme temperatures.
- Bedding: Use straw or wood shavings for comfort and cleanliness.
- Space Requirements: At least 15-20 sq ft per goat inside and 200 sq ft per goat in outdoor pens.
Fencing Considerations
- Height: 4-5 feet is sufficient (they don’t jump like other goats).
- Material: Woven wire, electric fencing, or sturdy wooden fences work well.
- Predator Protection: Install guard animals (donkeys, llamas, or livestock dogs) if in areas with coyotes or wild dogs.
4. Feeding and Nutrition
Basic Diet
- Forage: Pasture grass, hay (alfalfa or grass hay).
- Grain Supplement: Provide 16% protein goat feed (especially for pregnant/nursing does and growing kids).
- Minerals & Salt: Free-choice goat mineral blocks prevent deficiencies.
Special Considerations
- Avoid Overfeeding: Myotonic goats are prone to obesity, which worsens their myotonic episodes.
- Clean Water: Always provide fresh, clean water.
5. Health and Veterinary Care
Common Health Issues
- Parasites: Regularly deworm with ivermectin or fenbendazole.
- Hoof Rot: Trim hooves every 6-8 weeks.
- Respiratory Infections: Keep shelters dry and well-ventilated.
Vaccinations
- CD&T Vaccine (Clostridium perfringens types C & D + Tetanus) – Annually.
- Rabies Vaccine – If required in your area.
Emergency Care
- Have a vet’s contact ready for emergencies like bloat or difficult births.
6. Breeding and Kid Management
Breeding Basics
- Does reach maturity at 5-8 months but should be bred at 8-12 months.
- Gestation period: ~150 days (5 months).
- Kidding: Most does deliver without assistance, but monitor first-time mothers.
Raising Kids for Profit
- Bottle vs. Dam-Raised: Bottle-fed kids are tamer (better for pets), while dam-raised kids require less labor.
- Weaning: At 8-12 weeks, transition to hay and grain.
- Selling Age:
- Pet Market: 8-12 weeks old.
- Meat Market: 6-12 months old.
7. Marketing and Selling Myotonic Goats
Where to Sell?
- Online Platforms: Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Goat Facebook groups.
- Livestock Auctions: Some auctions specialize in heritage breeds.
- Pet & Hobby Buyers: Advertise their unique traits (great for families, 4-H projects).
- Meat Market: Sell to local farms, butchers, or ethnic markets (halal, Hispanic).
Pricing Strategies
- Pet Quality: 200−200−600 per goat (higher for registered, well-bred goats).
- Breeding Stock: 500−500−2,000+ (depending on lineage).
- Meat Goats: Sold by weight (~3−3−6 per pound live weight).
Branding & Promotion
- Social Media: Post videos of their fainting reactions (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube).
- Website/Blog: Share breeding tips to attract buyers.
- Local Fairs & Shows: Exhibit goats to gain visibility.
8. Legal and Financial Considerations
Legal Requirements
- Check Zoning Laws: Ensure your property allows livestock.
- Business Registration: If selling commercially, register as an LLC or sole proprietorship.
- Taxes: Keep records of expenses (feed, vet bills, breeding stock).
Profitability & Costs
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Breeding Stock (1 buck, 3 does) | 1,500−1,500−4,000 |
| Fencing & Shelter Setup | 1,000−1,000−3,000 |
| Feed (Monthly) | 50−50−100 |
| Vet Care (Annual) | 200−200−500 |
| Potential Annual Revenue | 5,000−5,000−20,000+ (depending on sales volume) |
Here are ten frequently asked questions about raising Myotonic (fainting) goats for profit, with detailed answers to guide prospective farmers.
1. What is the actual profit potential in raising Myotonic goats?
This is the most critical question. Profitability isn’t guaranteed and depends on multiple streams of income.
- Primary Revenue Streams:
- Breeding Stock: This is often the most profitable avenue. Well-bred, healthy goats with good myotonic traits and pedigree can sell for hundreds of dollars each, especially doelings and billies.
- Meat: Myotonic goats are known for their lean, tender, and flavorful meat. You can sell live goats to ethnic markets, process them for direct-to-consumer sales (farmers’ markets, CSAs), or supply local restaurants.
- Pets & Lawnmowers: Their unique “fainting” trait and generally docile temperament make them popular as novelty pets and for eco-friendly vegetation control.
- Key to Profit: You must control costs (feed, vet care, infrastructure) and develop a strong marketing plan to tap into these markets effectively.
2. Are Myotonic goats harder to care for than other goat breeds?
No, in many ways they are easier, which can lower your costs.
- Hardiness: They are a hardy, adaptable breed with good disease resistance.
- Temperament: Their docile nature makes them easier to handle, which reduces stress for both the animal and the owner.
- Containment: Due to their myotonic condition, they are less likely to climb or jump fences like other goat breeds, making them easier and cheaper to contain. However, they are not immune to predators, so standard livestock protection is still necessary.
3. What should I look for when buying my starter herd?
Your foundation animals will determine your success.
- Health: Look for clear eyes, shiny coats, good body condition, and no signs of lameness or coughing. Ask for a health history and any vaccination/worming records.
- Bloodlines: Purchase from reputable breeders who can provide pedigree information. Diverse bloodlines are crucial for a healthy, long-term breeding program.
- Myotonic Trait: Ensure the goats visibly exhibit the myotonic (stiffening) response when startled. This is a key selling point.
- Conformation: Look for well-structured goats—straight legs, strong backs, good udders on does—as this impacts their health and productivity.
4. How much land and what kind of fencing do I need?
- Land: A general rule is 6-8 goats per acre of good pasture, but this varies with climate and pasture quality. They need space to graze, exercise, and avoid overcrowding, which leads to disease.
- Fencing: While they are less prone to escaping, they are still vulnerable to predators. A well-built 4-foot high-tensile electric fence or sturdy woven wire fence is highly recommended to keep predators out and goats in safely.
5. What is their breeding schedule, and what are the kid-raising challenges?
- Schedule: Does (females) can be bred once they reach about 60-80% of their adult weight, typically around 7-10 months. They are seasonal breeders, usually coming into heat in the fall. The gestation period is about 150 days (5 months), leading to spring kids.
- Kidding: Myotonic goats are generally good mothers. However, you must be prepared for potential kidding difficulties, cold stress on newborns, and ensuring kids get adequate colostrum. Having a clean, dry kidding pen is essential.
6. What do I feed them to keep them healthy and keep costs down?
- Foundation: High-quality pasture and grass hay should be the foundation of their diet.
- Supplementation: They require a goat-specific mineral supplement (with selenium, which is often deficient) and fresh, clean water at all times.
- During High Need: Pregnant and lactating does, as well as growing kids, will need supplemental grain or a pelleted feed to meet their nutritional demands.
- Cost Control: Good pasture management is the single best way to reduce feed costs.
7. What are the most common health problems I need to watch for?
While hardy, they are susceptible to standard goat ailments.
- Internal Parasites (Worms): This is the #1 health issue for all goats. Regular fecal egg count checks and a strategic deworming program (only deworm when necessary to prevent resistance) are mandatory.
- Hoof Rot: Their hooves need to be trimmed every 6-8 weeks to prevent overgrowth and infection.
- Pregnancy Toxemia & Ketosis: A metabolic disorder that can occur in late pregnancy or early lactation, often in overweight or underweight does.
- Vaccinations: Consult with a local veterinarian for a core vaccine program, which typically includes CD&T (Clostridium perfringens types C & D and Tetanus).
8. How do I effectively market Myotonic goats for profit?
You can’t make a profit if you can’t sell them.
- Niche Marketing: Emphasize their unique traits. Use high-quality photos and videos of the goats “fainting” on social media (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok).
- Online Platforms: Utilize sites like GoatFinder, Craigslist, and breed-specific Facebook groups.
- Local Networks: Attend livestock auctions (for meat), farmers’ markets, and connect with local 4-H clubs as they can be a source for youth projects.
- Build a Reputation: The best marketing is word-of-mouth. Be known for selling healthy, well-bred goats with good temperaments.
9. Is there a risk of inbreeding, and how do I manage it?
Yes, inbreeding is a significant risk in a closed herd and leads to poor health and reduced fertility.
- Solution: Keep detailed records of all breedings. Introduce new breeding bucks from unrelated bloodlines every few years. Consider trading bucks with other reputable breeders to maintain genetic diversity.
10. What are the hidden costs I might not be considering?
Many beginners underestimate the total investment.
- Infrastructure: Cost of fencing, shelters, hay feeders, and kidding pens.
- Healthcare: Vet visits, vaccines, dewormers, hoof-trimming equipment, and emergency medical supplies.
- Feed & Bedding: The ongoing cost of hay, grain, minerals, and straw/shavings.
- Processing: If selling meat, the cost of slaughter and butchering can be substantial.
- Your Time: The labor for daily feeding, watering, fence checking, hoof trimming, and kidding season monitoring is significant and should be valued.