Mule Genetics, Parasites and Vaccinations

Dr.Kedar Karki

Genetics and Breeding

Horses have 64 chromosomes, while donkeys have 62. When horses and donkeys
are mated, the mule offspring have 63 chromosomes. The gestation period in
donkeys is 12 months on average, but it may vary from 11 to 14 months.
Despite being considered sterile, mare mules and mare hinnies will have estrus
cycles. These cycles can be regular, or erratic and variable. Female hinnies and
mules can be used as embryo transfer recipients but care must be given to
compatibility of donor and recipient. There have been documented cases of
fertility in the female mule but not the female hinny (7). A report from
Morocco indicates that a mule mare produced a foal with 62 chromosomes. The
cells of the mule mare were a mosaic, some carrying 63 chromosomes while
others carried 62. The foal has 62 and is believed to be fathered by a donkey.
This is the fourth female mule to be confirmed to be fertile (8).

Intact male donkeys and mules can be quite "stallion-like" or aggressive in

behaviour. If they are not being used for breeding purposes or as a teaser, it is
highly recommended that they be castrated. Castration must be performed by
a veterinarian.

Parasites

Donkeys and mules can also be infested by ectoparasites (skin parasites) such
as flies, lice, ticks, mites and warbles. For further information on Lice on
Horses refer to

The internal parasites that affect donkeys and mules are typical for other equid
species and, therefore, the recommendations for control and treatment are
those that we use for horses. However, lungworms are reported to be more
common in donkeys than horses. A comprehensive parasite control program
should include pasture management and environmental sanitation, and regular
anthelmintic wormer administration. Performing routine fecal egg counts will
help to determine the efficacy of treatment and control programs.
Anthelmintics should be chosen conscientiously and their use should be rotated
slowly to decrease the occurrence of resistance. A slow rotation of wormers is
recommended (the same wormer over the course of a year or more). Your
veterinarian can help to determine the correct parasite control program for
you.

Vaccination
The use of horse vaccines for donkeys and mules is necessary because there are
no vaccines specifically developed for them. Protocols for a vaccination
program are usually adapted from those recommended for horses. The chance
of adverse reactions to vaccines are assumed to be the same as in horses. It is
important that donkeys and mules are vaccinated to aid in controlling the
spread of disease.

Summary

The above recommendations are intended to introduce basic concepts of

management for your donkey or mule.

References

• Svendsen ED. The Professional Handbook of the Donkey. England:

Sovereign Printing Group, 1989.
• Burnham SL. Anatomical differences of the donkey and mule.
Proceedings of the 48th Annual AAEP Convention 2002: 102-109.
• Peregrine A. (2003) Personal communication.
• The Donkey. Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex
598
• Fowler J. Trimming donkey feet. Equine Veterinary Education 1995;
7: 18-21.
• Jackson J. Naturally shaped hooves. Mules and More 1998; 8 (12):
68-69.
• Taylor TS, Matthews NS, Blanchard TL. Introduction to Donkeys in
the US, Elementary Assology. Texas A&M University College of
Veterinary Medicine
• http://www.donkeyandmule.com
• Kay G. A foal from a mule in Morocco. Vet Record 2003;152 (3): 92