During the August 2025 MDGA Board meeting the BOD voted to add goats affected by Congenital Myotonia (i.e. faint) be disqualified in the show ring. Additionally, during the 2025 ADGA Board meeting the Board approved: 1. Congenital Myotonia(CM) is now considered an undesirable trait and 2. Added CM testing through UC Davis.
Why is this important to MDGA members and breeders? CM is a trait found in Nigerian Dwarf goats which are part of the foundation of MDGA breeds.
This article is meant to open a dialogue and educate Miniature dairy goat and Nigerian Dwarf breeders about congenital myotonia (CM) by first discussing what is CM, what testing is available for CM, and what do the testing results mean.