what is a mule

what is a mule

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Nature

A mule is a domestic equine hybrid between a male donkey (jack) and a female horse (mare) . The horse and the donkey are different species, with different numbers of chromosomes; of the two possible first-generation hybrids between them, the mule is easier to obtain and more common than the hinny, which is the offspring of a female donkey (jenny) and a male horse (stallion) . Mules vary widely in size and may be of any color. They have the thin limbs, small narrow hooves, and short mane of the donkey, while their height, the shape of the neck and body, the uniformity of their coat, and their teeth are more similar to those of the horse. Mules are highly intelligent and are perceived as less obstinate and more intelligent than donkeys. They are more patient, hardier, and longer-lived than horses. A female mule that has oestrus cycles, and so could, in theory, carry a foetus, is called a "molly" or "Molly mule," although the term is sometimes used to refer to female mules in general. A male mule is properly called a "horse mule," although it is often called a "john mule," which is the correct term for a gelded mule. A young male mule is called a "mule colt," and a young female is called a "mule filly". Mules are sterile, and males should be castrated to avoid them becoming aggressive. Most females come into season either regularly or occasionally, but are only rarely mareish.

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