Many people find it challenging to differentiate between donkeys and mules. For a start, they share almost the same physical features. And mules have some of the qualities of donkeys. However, this article will explain the difference between donkey and mule.
The three key differences between a donkey and mule that we will cover is reproduction, intelligence and performance. Lets first learn some interesting facts about each animal to help you choose between a donkey or mule for your own farm.
Donkey
Donkeys (sometimes called Burros) are asses, not horses. Unlike horses, donkeys are hard and short. Humans have been using donkeys for transportation since biblical times. These animals are notorious for being stubborn. However, they are smart and can go the extra mile to keep themselves and passengers from danger.
Interestingly, they belong to the Equidae family, with zebras and horses being their cousins. Donkeys have floppy ears and tend to be stockier than zebras and horses. But they all share some common physical features.
Unlike horses, wild donkeys are not common; you will hardly see them around except those that have been domesticated. However, you can find them in desserts and savannah in northern Africa. You can also find them in the Arabian Peninsula and the Middle east.
Reasons Why Your Farm Needs a Donkey
#1. Herd Protector
Donkeys are excellent protectors of your herd. They will always chase unknown predators away from your farm and keep your farm animals safe. Most people have donkeys on their farmland because of the animals’ ability to ward-off predators attack.
#2. Companionship
Donkeys are peaceful and easy-going animals. And if you have rowdy youngsters, they will find them amazing.
#3. Hard Workers
Donkeys are hard workers and can help you with most of your farm work. Interestingly, they can pull a cart, till a small garden, and do many other things that some horses may struggle doing.
#4. Great Pets for Children
Donkeys have great temperaments; they can be great companions to your kids. And most people use donkeys in local children shows because of their temperament.
#5. Therapy Animals
Naturally, donkeys have a calm demeanor; that’s why people use them in therapy programs. In most cases, you see donkeys in nursing homes, schools, and sometimes fairs.
Quick Facts About Donkeys
- Donkeys are strong, cautious, and intelligent animals
- They can carry a load as heavy as twice their weight. That explains why people use them for manual labor like carrying cargo and pulling carts;
- Compared to horses, donkeys are shorter, have thicker coats, and short tails.
- They are independent and can be difficult to train, but make a great companion for livestock..
MULE
From what you have read so far, you will agree with me that there’s a difference between donkey and mule, isn’t it? Well, it’s time to learn more about mules.
Mule is the offspring produced when you breed a male donkey (jack) to a female horse. And when you breed a male horse (stallion) to a female donkey, they produce a “hinny.”
While mules share both the male donkey and female horse’s physical characteristics, they can’t reproduce. In other words, if you need a mule, all you have to do is breed a female horse to a male donkey.
However, Mules are larger than donkeys and have a more delicate bone structure.
Benefits of Having a Mule in Your Farm
- They take better care of themselves, and they aren’t prone to digestive disorder
- Mules can perform better during hot weather.
- They are adaptable and can easily feed on roughage.
Quick Facts about Mules
- Mules inherit the best qualities of horses and donkeys.
- They are faster and smarter than donkeys and more intelligent than horses.
- They can live for a long time.
Difference Between Donkey and Mule
#1. Reproductive System
Donkey and Mule have a different reproductive system. While donkeys can reproduce and have their offspring, mules are sterile; they can’t reproduce. If you need a mule, you breed a male donkey and a female horse.
#2. Performance
If you are using both animals on your farm, Mules will perform better than donkeys. Since Mules are hybrid, they tend to have more stamina and withstand more load pressure than donkeys.
When a donkey is carrying heavy loads, it will be impatient and sometimes aggressive. But mules are always calm even if they are carrying heavy loads.
#3. Mules are Smarter than Donkeys
Generally, mules are smarter and more intelligent than donkeys. From personal experience, mules are somewhat easier to train then Donkeys, but both make great companions.
