Mule Care Basics

Happy holiday season! If you place a manger under your tree, you may find a small donkey figure. But have you ever considered the differences between donkeys and mules? In some ways, the two are comparable, while in others they are completely different. Continue reading as local Holly Springs, MS veterinarian explains some basic info about mule care.

What Is The Difference Between A Mule And A Donkey?

Equids include donkeys, horses, zebras, kiangs, onagers, and asses. Mules are crossbred horses and donkeys. The donkey is the sire, and the horse is the dam. The end result is a pretty good mix of traits. Mules are typically as strong and patient as donkeys, but nimble like horses. They have traditionally been employed as working animals, but they are also becoming popular among equestrians. In fact, they currently participate in dressage!

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

Why Can’t Mules Reproduce?

Mules are sterile because horses and donkeys have different chromosome counts. Horses have 64 chromosomes and donkeys have 62. Mules get 63. That odd number disrupts cell division, rendering the animal sterile.

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

What Have Mules Been Used For Historically?

Mules were originally utilized as creatures of burden. They have been employed as pack animals for millennia. Even the ancient Romans and Egyptians used them! American colonists also utilized them to transport supplies and mine coal. By the twentieth century, cars had taken over many of the jobs that mules had previously performed in the Western world. However, they are still utilized as working animals in many areas today.

Is It True That Mules Are Really Stubborn?

You’ve probably heard the adage about being stubborn as a mule. This could be an indicator of intellect. Though further research is needed, studies have shown that mules are smarter than the normal equine. That could explain why they occasionally refuse to complete tasks they dislike. They also learn stuff quickly.

What Health Issues Do Mules Face?

Mules are generally hardy, which is why they are commonly utilized as beasts of burden. They are, in general, stronger and less prone to health problems than horses. They also don’t typically inherit hereditary illnesses. However, they are prone to a number of difficulties, including lesions, limb deformities, and ectoparasites. They may also develop many of the same ailments that older horses do, such as dental difficulties, arthritis, and PPID (Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction). Mules are also prone to conformation problems.

Potential owners should be warned that mules’ stoicism makes it difficult to identify signs of disease. You’ll need to keep a close eye out for warning signs.

How Do You Take Care Of A Mule?

Mules require similar care to horses. This includes clean, comfortable stalls, fresh water, a nutritious diet, and frequent veterinarian treatment. There are a few notable distinctions, however.

• While turnout time is always vital for horses, it is critical for mules. They don’t do well with being cooped up for long periods of time!
• Mule teeth are slightly different from those of horses. Make sure to have your mule’s choppers inspected on a regular basis and floated as needed. 
• Parasites affect both mules and horses, but there is some variance here. Mules are highly vulnerable to lungworms and other worms. Keep up with your hooved pal’s deworming regimen.
• Mules and horses do not digest medications in the same way. They will have different reactions to anesthetic and medicines. Always consult with your veterinarian before providing medication.
• Mules frequently require blankets to keep warm in cold weather.

What Should You Feed a Mule?

Mule diets are close but not identical to horse diets. Mules, like their parents, are herbivores. Their diets should consist primarily of pasture, hay, and grain, with the occasional treat.

Here are a few essential factors about their nutritional requirements:

• Overall, mules eat less than horses. However, they require copious amounts of water. In fact, they can consume up to 15 gallons each day! This is something they get from the donkey, which is accustomed to desert environments. 
• Mules can easily gain weight, thus portion sizes should be kept under check. 
• Your mules will require a high-fiber diet. You should limit their consumption of hydrolyzable carbohydrates (HC) such starch, sucrose, maltose, lactose, and galactose, which are digested in the small intestine.
• Mules, unlike horses, can be fed straw. However, in general, hay is a superior option.
• Make sure to include a salt lick!
• They are susceptible to getting laminitis. In terms of forage, you may want to have your grass evaluated. Some forage is too rich and/or sweet for mules. As you may be aware, excessive sweet grass consumption can result in laminitis. Fescue grass is also harmful. 
• Mules will benefit from vitamins and minerals. 
• Mules, like the rest of our patients, enjoy snacks. Apples and carrots are fantastic examples of safe fruits and vegetables.
• Never give your mule sweet grain or alfalfa unless specifically instructed to.

Consult your Holly Springs, MS veterinarian for guidance on your mule’s nutritional requirements.

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