Stiffness Levels

Here are the degrees of stiffness in Myotonic goats.

Level 1 - Never observed to stiffen, but other type traits are consistent, as is pedigree.

Level 2 - Very rarely stiffens, never falls.

Level 3 - Stiffens only occasionally and rarely falls.

Level 4 - Walks normally with no swivel. The rear limbs lock up readily, the forelimbs less so, and goats with this degree of stiffness rarely fall to the ground.

Level 5 - Animal walks relatively normally, although somewhat stiff in the rear and with a swivel at the hip. Rarely stiffens when startled or stepping over a barrier.

Level 6 - Animal always moves stiffly to some degree and readily becomes “locked up” when startled or stepping over a low barrier.

Levels 4 and 5 are typical. Level 1 Myotonics are called “limber goats” or “limber legs”; they’re atypical.