Mules, also known as strange science about mules

Mules, also known as mules

Mules, also known as mules, belong to the genus Equus of the order Perissodactyla, Equidae, and subfamily Equus. It is an interspecific hybrid between a horse and a donkey. Its body shape and appearance are between those of a horse and a donkey, and is not considered an independent species. The breed that is born from a male donkey and a female horse is a horse mule, and the breed that is born from a male horse and a female donkey is a donkey mule. Their reproductive capacity is extremely poor, and they are generally sterile. However, it has strong vitality and disease resistance, high feed utilization rate, strong physique, strong limbs and hooves, rich endurance, and easy to control.

The so-called mule generally refers to the interspecific hybrid produced by the cross between a male donkey and a female horse, commonly known as a "horse mule". Horses and mules are larger, like horses, bray like donkeys, have long ears, and have manes and tail hairs between those of horses and donkeys. The hooves are small and the tendons of the limbs are strong. It is not only resistant to roughage and labor, has strong disease resistance and adaptability, but also has strong pulling power and long-lasting performance, so it is suitable for pulling carts and carrying loads. The interspecific hybrids produced after the cross between a male horse and a female donkey have a donkey-like body shape and are commonly known as "donkey mules". Horses and mules are extremely powerful, far beyond the reach of horses and donkeys, while donkeys and mules are good at running, which is also unmatched by donkeys.

Horses and mules are similar in appearance to donkeys and mules, but they are easy to tell apart. Generally, the ears of donkeys and mules are slightly longer, and the ears of horses and mules are slightly shorter; the tails of donkeys and mules are slightly shorter, and the tails of horses and mules are slightly longer. Their body size is determined by the body size of their parents, but is greatly affected by the mother's body. The height of an average mule is about 150 cm, and that of a large mule is 150-170 cm. Large mules can be produced by mating a large mare or a regular mare with a large donkey. Countries with a large number of mules include China, Mexico, Brazil, Ethiopia and Morocco. There are the most donkeys and mules in China, but very few in other countries.