Difference Between Donkey and Mule

The main difference between donkey and mule is that donkey is a fertile mammal whereas mule is a sterile mammal. Donkey is a hoofed mammal with long ears, belonging to the horse family. Cross breeding between a male donkey and a female horse produces a mule.

Donkey and mule are two herbivorous mammals. Both are tetrapods and are black, gray to sable or white in color. Genetically, the donkey has 62 chromosomes; mule has 63 of them and a horse has 64 chromosomes. 

Key Areas Covered

1. Donkey
      – Definition, Facts, Characteristics
2. Mule
      – Definition, Facts, Characteristics
3. What are the Similarities Between Donkey and Mule
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Donkey and Mule
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms: Chromosome Number, Donkey, Ears, Equidae, Fertility, Mule

Donkey – Definition, Facts, Characteristics

Donkey is a domesticated, hoofed mammal with long ears, and a braying call, belonging to the horse family. It is also called burro or domesticated ass. It is known to be used as a beast of burden since 4000 BSE. Donkeys live in deserts and savannahs in northern Africa from Morocco to Somalia, in the Arabian Peninsula and in the Middle East.

Figure 1: Donkey

Donkey has a dorsal stripe from mane to tail and a crosswise stripe on its shoulders, collectively called the Christian cross. Donkeys eat grass or shrubs. The gestation period of a donkey is 12 months. Foals or baby donkeys weigh about 19-30 lbs.

Mule – Definition, Facts, Characteristics

Mule is a hybrid animal produced by a crossbred between a male donkey (jack) and a female horse (mare). Donkey has 62 chromosomes while a horse has 64 chromosomes. Hence, the hybrid mule has 63 chromosomes per cell. Since it is an odd chromosome number, a mule cannot produce fertile gametes. Therefore, it is generally sterile. However, a female mule may bear a fetus.

Figure 2: Mule

Since a mule is a hybrid animal, it bears better traits of both horses and donkeys. Physical fitness of a mule is higher than that of a donkey. The crossbred between a female donkey and a male horse gives birth to a hybrid animal called hinny.

Similarities Between Donkey and Mule

• Both donkey and mule are herbivorous mammals, who are horse-like.
• Both belong to the family Equidae.
• Both have four legs.
• Both have long faces, and ears.
• Both have a tail.
• Skin of both is covered by fur.

Difference Between Donkey and Mule

Definition

Donkey: A domesticated, hoofed mammal with long ears, and a braying call, belonging to the horse family

Mule:  A hybrid animal produced by a crossbred between a male donkey (jack) and a female horse (mare)

Scientific Name

Donkey: Equus asinus

Mule: Equus mulus

Appearance

Donkey: A shorter face and mane, wider eyes, thin limbs, and narrow hooves – long ears are darkened at the base and tip

Mule: A long face, long ears, and harder hooves – sturdier than a horse, but muscles are smoother than a horse’s

Ears

Donkey: Longer

Mule: Long than the horses’

Tail

Donkey: Cow-like tail

Mule: Horse-like tail

Coat Color

Donkey: Gray or dark brown. Have a ‘Christian cross’

Mule: Brown or bay-colored

Fifth Lumber Vertebrae

Donkey: None

Mule: Some may have

Behavior

Donkey: Strays off alone and pairs later

Mule: Qualities such as patience, sure-footedness, obstinacy, and intelligence

Height and Weight

Donkey: Height ranges from 90-180 cm. Weight ranges from 180-1060 lbs.

Mule: Taller than a donkey. Weight ranges from 820-1000 lbs.

Lifespan

Donkey: The lifespan varies between 30-50 years

Mule: The lifespan is about 50 years

Number of Chromosomes per Somatic Cell

Donkey: Has 62 chromosomes

Mule: Has 63 chromosomes

Fertility

Donkey: Fertile

Mule: Generally sterile

Males

Donkey: Jack

Mule: Jack or John

Females

Donkey: Jenny

Mule: Molly

Conclusion

Donkey is a fertile animal while a mule is a sterile one. Donkey belongs to the horse family. A crossbred between a male donkey and a female horse gives birth to a hybrid mule. The main difference between donkey and mule is their fertility.

Reference:

1. “Donkey.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 30 Mar. 2017, Available here.
2. “What Is a Mule?” The Donkey Sanctuary, 2 Aug. 2016, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Donkey 1 arp 750px” (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Juancito” By w:User:Dario u / User:Dario urruty – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia