Do Mule Prices Differ by Male and Female? Artificial Rearing Methods and Differences from Horses

The mule, a mammal of the order Perissodactyla, has a high feed conversion rate, a sturdy constitution, strong limbs and hooves, great endurance, and is easy to handle. Its working life can last as long as 20-30 years, and its draft value is higher than that of both horses and donkeys. So, how much does a mammal-class mule cost per head? Are they divided into male and female? How does it differ from a horse? How should it be reared artificially?

I. How much does a mammal-class mule cost per head?

It is understood that the current price of a mule is generally around 400-700 yuan per head. The specific price depends on size and weight.

II. Are mules divided into male and female?

Mules are divided into male and female. Mules have male and female distinctions, but male mules and most female mules have no reproductive capacity, because the chromosomes are not paired (63), and the germ cells cannot undergo normal division (i.e. meiosis). Female mules have sexual function, and the uterus can carry an embryo, but getting a female mule pregnant is the most difficult part. Strictly speaking, the offspring produced by a male donkey and a female horse is called a hinny, and the offspring produced by a male horse and a female donkey is called a mule.

III. How does it differ from a horse?

1. The mule born to a horse is larger than the hinny, but both the mule and the hinny are smaller than a horse and larger than a donkey.

2. At the base of the tail of both the mule and the hinny, there is a short section without long (long as in length) hair, whereas the base of a horse's tail is entirely covered in very long hair.

3. A mule's ears are longer and wider than a horse's.

4. A horse has 32 pairs of chromosomes, a donkey has 31 pairs, and a mule has 31.5 pairs, with one unpaired, so it generally cannot reproduce.

IV. How should it be reared artificially?

Hinnies are mostly bred from small female donkeys, so their build is relatively small. However, breeding hinnies from large female donkeys such as the Guanzhong donkey or the Dezhou donkey can produce large hinnies. The conception rate for breeding mules is 70-80%, while for breeding hinnies it is only about 30%. Although male mules and male hinnies may show normal testicles in appearance, they have no reproductive capacity because the sperm cells cannot form sperm capable of fertilization; however, their gonads are relatively well developed and they can also show strong sexual desire. For convenience in management and work, they are generally castrated. Female mules also conceive with great difficulty. There are reports in the world of a small number of female mules conceiving and giving birth after mating with a male horse or male donkey. There are also a small number of instances in China. The feeding and management of mules and hinnies are roughly the same as for donkeys. Under heavy work, a large mule needs 2.0-2.5 kg of concentrate per day and about 6.0 kg of (dry) hay, and the feed can be appropriately reduced under light work. Mules and hinnies can generally be used for light work from the age of two. An ordinary mule can carry 75-100 kg and be worked continuously for more than 5 days; for short periods of work it can carry 100-125 kg and travel about 35 km per day. In the mountainous areas of southwest China they are mostly used for pack transport; in regions such as the northwest, north China and northeast they are mostly used for pulling and hauling. The working methods and workload are basically the same as for horses.