Most of us have grown up hearing about them: the mule in the Nativity scene, Donkey from Shrek, or the donkey in children’s songs. But if we were asked to distinguish between the terms burro, asno, and mula, would we really know the differences? Many people confuse these words or assume they describe the same animal. In this article, we’ll clarify the distinctions between donkeys, asses, and mules.
The answer is no.
Both “donkey” (burro) and “ass” (asno) refer to the same animal: the African wild ass (Equus africanus), whose domesticated form is often written as E. africanus asinus.
The word burro comes from the Latin burricus (“small horse”) and is more colloquial, while asno comes from asinus and is closer to the scientific term. In English, both are simply called donkeys.
Main features (compared to horses or zebras):
Smaller body size (though it varies by breed).
Short, upright mane instead of a long flowing one.
Long ears, which help dissipate heat.
Longer lifespan than horses, living up to 35–40 years.
Common coat colors: gray, brown, black, or white. Lighter markings are often found around the muzzle, eyes, and belly, and most donkeys show a darker “cross-shaped” stripe across their back and shoulders.
Types: Wild donkeys and domestic donkeys. Domestic donkeys are hardy, cost-effective, and valued for transport, riding, and farm work thanks to their stamina and ability to thrive on poor-quality feed.
The term mule often causes confusion alongside “donkey” and “ass.” Unlike those two—which are the same animal—the mule is a hybrid.
It is the offspring of a male donkey (jack) and a female horse (mare).
Mules belong to the same family (Equidae) as horses and donkeys, but they are sterile because the parent species have different chromosome counts (horses: 64, donkeys: 62). The hybrid offspring end up with 63 chromosomes, making reproduction virtually impossible.
Why hybrids are sterile (simple explanation):
For reproduction to succeed, chromosomes must pair correctly. Horses and donkeys don’t have the same chromosome number, so the pairing fails, and viable sperm or eggs cannot form.
Mule characteristics:
From the donkey: large head, long ears, short mane.
From the horse: height, body shape, uniform coat, neck and rump proportions, and teeth structure.
Strong and resilient, with remarkable endurance, making them excellent work animals.
Sure-footed, ideal for mountainous terrain and heavy loads.
Vocalization: A mix between the donkey’s bray and the horse’s neigh.
Main drawback: Infertility.
The hinny is another donkey–horse hybrid, but it is the reverse cross:
The offspring of a male horse (stallion) and a female donkey (jenny).
Hinnies are rarer than mules because female donkeys are smaller than mares, which complicates pregnancy and delivery.
Hinny features (vs. mules):
Generally smaller than mules.
Shorter ears (though still longer than a horse’s).
Longer, slimmer head.
Body heavier in proportion to the legs, giving a different overall appearance.
Like mules, almost always sterile.
| Animal | Origin | Fertility | Size & Build | Distinctive Traits | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Donkey (ass) | Same species (Equus africanus) | Fertile | Smaller than horse | Long ears, short mane, “cross” marking on back, lighter muzzle/eye/belly | Up to 40 years |
| Mule | Male donkey × female horse | Sterile | Taller, body shape like horse, head & ears like donkey | Strong, hardy, sure-footed; bray + neigh sounds | Similar to horse |
| Hinny | Male horse × female donkey | Sterile | Smaller than mule, heavy body vs. legs | Shorter ears than mule, slim long head | Similar to mule |
Even though they cannot reproduce, mules (and occasionally hinnies) have been prized for centuries because:
They combine the endurance and toughness of donkeys with the strength and size of horses.
They require less food than horses for similar workloads.
They are more resistant to disease and better adapted to harsh environments.
They are ideal for farm work, transport, and mountainous regions.
Donkey = Ass. Two words, one animal (Equus africanus).
Mule = male donkey × female horse. Strong, useful, sterile.
Hinny = male horse × female donkey. Smaller, rarer, also sterile.
Together, these animals have been indispensable throughout human history for farming, travel, and transport.
animal tags：
you may also like
The domestication history of black pigs in China can be traced back to nearly 5,000 years ago. As early as the Jiuchongtian Huanlongyan site in the Shungeng area in the southern mountainous area of Jinan, and the present-day Jiyang Tuhe River Basin, large-scale animal husbandry activities had alread...
Honey making by bees is a process in which bees collect pollen and nectar and convert them into honey through a series of complex processes. The following is a detailed introduction to the honey-making process of bees: 1.Collect pollen and nectar Collecting nectar:...
Mallard (scientific name: Anas platyrhynchos), also known as wild duck or domestic duck, is a relatively common waterfowl, characterized by the distinctive green head of the male. Here is a detailed introduction to the mallard’s flight capabilities: Flight ability: Mallar...
A beekeeping strip is a special type of planting strip or area set up around a beehive. This design is intended to provide bees with an ample source of pollen and nectar, as well as provide them with a good environment around their nest site. The purpose of beekeeping tunnels is to improve the livin...
Silkworms are economically important insects that are cultured for the production of silk. The following is a detailed introduction to silkworm breeding methods and precautions: Breeding method Breeding environment: Temperature: The optimal temperature for silkwo...
Choosing the right fish pond filter is very important to maintaining the water quality of your fish pond and the health of your fish. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a fish pond filter: Type of Fish Pond: First, you need to consider the type and size of your fish...
Although a yogurt maker can provide ideal temperature control when making yogurt, it is not suitable for hatching chicks. Yogurt machines are mainly used to make fermented dairy products because it can provide a constant temperature to promote the growth of lactic acid ba...
Pigs are one of the important livestock and poultry that are widely raised. According to their different uses and growth characteristics, they can be divided into different types such as meat pigs, sows and breeding pigs. Here are some common pig types:Meat pigs:About 98% of the pigs raised are meat...
Email: jsset668#gmail.com (change # to @) Please indicate your purpose of visit! Guangdong ICP No. 2022053326 XML| map| Chinese
