CM- Congenital Myotonia

Understanding CM -Education

Myotonia (CM) has been in the Nigerian Dwarf breed since before its foundation at ADGA. CM causes a "fainting goat" to "faint". In the early 90's, AGS made it a disqualification. Testing for the gene has been available in Australia since 2022, and herds from the USA have been testing there since then. In 2024, UC Davis made the test available in the USA. In October 2025, ADGA designated a goat affected with CM as an "undesirable" trait (NOT a disqualifying trait).​

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There are 3 CM statuses. 

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1. CM/CM= A goat that inherits two copies of this gene, one from each parent, becomes AFFECTED (CM/CM). These goats may show symptoms ranging from slight stiffening to falling over. It is the same condition that affects the fainting breed of goats. 

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2. Normal/CM= A goat that inherits only one copy of the gene becomes a carrier (N/CM). These goats are healthy and unaffected and will have no symptoms. These goats do have a 50/50 chance of passing a single copy of the fainting gene to each offspring, making them carriers as well. 

3. Normal/Normal= The final status is a goat that inherited NO copies of the CM gene; therefore, it is "clear" (N/N). These goats can NOT pass the gene to their offspring.

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​Why does CM matter to Curly Goose Cottage?

In September 2025, we were blindsided when we learned that we unknowingly produced an affected kid. This kid did not have any symptoms at birth, but as an older kid, she began to stiffen when led by her owner. We soon learned that our beloved herd sire was a carrier. That reality had a negative impact on our herd, both financially and emotionally. 

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Because we do not want animals from our herd to cause any of our customers to experience what we have endured, we will not offer a carrier for registration.​

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WE may retain "carrier status" animals in our breeding program. We do not believe a beautiful, productive animal should be "thrown away" just because of their CM Status. Many influential, beautiful animals in history did, in fact, carry CM. However, for us, will no longer offer any CM carriers for purchase. We will test kids out of any possible carrier breedings and will only offer N/N animals for registration, moving forward. 

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What this means for our customers

Our customers will never have to wonder, worry, or test kids prior to purchase from our herd. We simply will not be selling any carrier status kids for registration. 

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What if I purchase a registered animal that has tested positive for a carrier status before 2026?

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If you have tested a goat purchased from us and it tested positive for N/CM carrier status, we will credit you the full price we sold the kid toward another kid purchase. This offer is contingent upon receipt of a copy of the test results and surrender of the animal's registration. You may keep the goat.. Shipping, past or present, and any new fees will be at the owner's expense.

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Our goal is to build trust and solid relationships with our valued customers! 

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2026

CH- Carpal Hyperextension

We have never had a case of CH on our farm to date. However, it does seem to be an issue within the Nigerian Dwarf breed, and as of this date, the exact cause of CH appears to come from multiple sources. These could include, but are not limited to, genetic, mineral, stress-induced, or herd management issues. We aren't sure exactly how to approach this topic as we have never dealt with it; however, this is how we would like to be treated, if this happened to us, so this is how we will approach it for now. 

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We will issue a credit toward another goat of the same gender, in the amount of your purchase price should your goat develop CH before the age of 2 years old.

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1. Photos and videos must be provided, and CH must be evident and agreed upon. 

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2. Registration papers must be surrendered.

2026

other defects