Mules Definition

A mule is, in its usual meaning, an offspring from a male donkey and a female horse, while the reverse of such is called a hinny. The mule is easier to breed and larger in size than the hinny, and usually the chromosomal match up is better when it is a male donkey and female horse - producing a unique offspring. They are almost always sterile, however there have been a few rare cases where mules and hinnies have been able to produce offspring of one type or another. Donkeys have a total of 62 chromosomes, and horses have 64 - the offspring have 63 and cannot divide evenly, which renders them sterile in almost all cases. The mule has long ears, short thick heads, thin limbs, small hooves, and a short mane; it also does not sound like a donkey, nor does it sound like a horse. There are many coats, depending on the sire and the dam.

In behavior the mule has the same tendencies as the donkey with its patience, endurance, and agility in being sure footed, making it excellent in hard or more unstable terrain - however it lacks the fear and weaknesses of the donkey, rather it has more strength and is bolder. Thier hooves are stronger, and they go lame much less often, and are resistant to disease in comparison with the horse. They also don’t like dogs quite as much as horses do, and are capable of defending themselves or their rider against a number of predators - with recorded numerous kills against mountain lions. They also can fire off a kick in any direction they wish to with great accuracy, and can be lethal. There have been only sixty documented cases of fertile mules in four hundred years, and one cloned mule.

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