Season’s Greetings! If you put a manger under your tree, you might find a small donkey figure. But have you ever thought about the differences between donkeys and mules? In some ways, the two are comparable, but in others, they are completely different. Continue reading to hear a local Hobe Sound, FL veterinarian discuss mules.

What Is the Difference Between Mules and Donkeys?

Donkeys, horses, zebras, kiang, onagers, and asses are all equids. Mules are hybrid breeds of horses and donkeys. In mules, the donkey is the father and the horse is the dam. 

Many of their supporters feel they mix the best features of both species. Mules are strong and patient, just like donkeys, but they are also agile, like horses. They even participate in dressage!

Mules aren’t the only equestrian hybrids. There is also the hinny, which is a horse/donkey cross with the horse serving as sire and the donkey as dam. Then there’s the zorse, a cross between a male zebra and a female horse, and the zonkey, a male zebra crossed with a female donkey. We also have the zedonk, a hybrid of a male donkey and a female zebra.

In case you were wondering, Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh was a donkey, not a mule.

Why Are Mules Unable To Reproduce?

Mules, as hybrids, are infertile and unable to produce progeny. This is due to chromosomal variations between horses and donkeys. Donkeys have 62 chromosomes, while horses have 64. Mules total 63. That odd number prevents cell division, typically rendering the animal sterile.

Mule Appearances

Mules’ most distinguishing feature is undoubtedly their long ears, which they inherit from their donkey sires. They also have bigger skulls and slightly narrower hooves than horses. Those are the items that are most noticeable to the naked eye. There are further changes, which we will discuss shortly.

Mules can vary greatly in size and color, as these characteristics are heavily influenced by the parent. A mule with a draft horse dam may be much larger than one whose mother was a pony. In terms of color, they can wear any color or pattern that is found on horses or donkeys, though most have brownish-grey coats. They also have thicker fur than horses.

Are Mules Really Difficult to Train?

You’ve probably heard the term “being as stubborn as a mule.” There’s some truth to that: they do have a reputation for being rather headstrong. This could indicate high intellects. Though additional research is needed, studies show that mules are more intelligent than the normal equine. That could explain why they occasionally refuse to do things they don’t want to do. 

What Are the Characteristics of Mules?

Mules are usually somewhat stoic, however they can be spicy. We normally advocate castration for males since they will be calmer and easier to manage thereafter. However, they may also be incredibly amusing and affectionate.

What Health Problems Do Mules Face?

Mules are generally hardy animals, which is why they are frequently utilized as beasts of burden. They also do not typically inherit genetic disorders. However, they are prone to a few problems, including lesions, limb deformities, and ectoparasites. They may also develop many of the same issues as older horses, such as dental difficulties, arthritis, and PPID (Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction). Mules are also vulnerable to conformation difficulties.

Potential owners should be advised that because mules are so stoic, it might be difficult to identify symptoms of disease. If you’re considering getting a mule, bear this in mind.

Caring For Your Mule

Mules require similar care as horses. Key basics include clean, comfortable shelters, fresh water, nutritious food, and routine veterinary treatment. 

However, there are some significant differences.

• Turnout time is always necessary for horses, but it is essential for mules: they just don’t do well with being cooped up for too long.
• Mule teeth differ slightly from those of horses. Make sure to have your mule’s choppers checked on a regular basis and floated if necessary. Pay extra attention to this as your hooved friend ages.
• Mules are very vulnerable to lungworms and other parasites. Be diligent with deworming.
• Mules do not digest medicines in the same way as horses. They will react differently to anaesthesia and painkillers. Always check with your veterinarian before administering anything.

Ask your Hobe Sound, FL vet for care tips.

What Do You Feed A Mule?

Mule diets are comparable, but not identical to, horse diets. Mules, like their parents, are herbivorous animals. Their diets should be grass, hay, and grain, with the occasional treat.

Here are a few important details about their nutritional needs:

• Overall, mules consume less food than horses. However, they require plenty of water. They can drink up to 15 gallons a day! This is something they got from the donkey, which is adapted to desert conditions. 
• Mules can readily gain weight, so be mindful of portion quantities. 
• Your mule will require a high-fiber diet. Limit their consumption of hydrolyzable carbohydrates (HC), which are digested in the small intestine. These include starch, sucrose, maltose, lactose, and galactose.
• Unlike horses, mules can eat straw. However, hay is better.
• Make sure to supply a salt lick!
• They are also predisposed to acquiring laminitis. In terms of forage, you may need to have your grass evaluated. Some grass is too high in sugar for mules. As you may be aware, consuming too much sweet grass can cause laminitis. Fescue grass is also dangerous. Never give your mule sugar feed. Alfalfa is also not recommended.
• Mules will get vitamins and minerals. For specifics, consult your veterinarian.
• Mules, like the rest of our patients, adore snacks! Apples and carrots are safe fruits and vegetables to eat.

Ask your Hobe Sound, FL vet for specific nutritional suggestions for your mule.

Schedule an Appointment at Our Hobe Sound, FL Pet Hospital

Are you looking for a quality horse veterinarian? Please contact us without hesitation. As your  Sound, FL pet hospital, we are here to assist!