Mule

A mule is a hybrid offspring of a male donkey (jack) and a female horse (mare). This crossbreeding of two different species results in an animal that inherits a combination of traits from both parents, often leading to a phenomenon known as hybrid vigor, making them stronger and more resilient than either parent.

Mules vary widely in size and color, which can be inherited from either parent. They generally have the body of a horse but with a donkey's long ears, smaller hooves, and a distinct lack of a true horse-like mane. Their tails are usually a mix, with short, wiry hair at the base and longer, flowing hair at the end. They are known for having incredible strength and endurance for their size.

Mules are well-known for being sterile. Horses have 64 chromosomes and donkeys have 62. A mule receives 32 chromosomes from its horse mother and 31 from its donkey father, resulting in an odd number of 63. This odd number of chromosomes prevents them from being able to produce viable gametes, rendering them infertile. There have been a handful of extremely rare, documented cases of female mules giving birth, but male mules are always sterile.

Historically, mules have been highly valued as working animals for thousands of years. They are known for their sure-footedness, patience, and intelligence, which is often mistaken for stubbornness. Their hardiness and ability to thrive on less food than a horse make them ideal for tasks like pulling wagons, plowing, and carrying heavy loads over rugged or mountainous terrain.