Mule?

Well we have 2 mares and a gelding. We went to feed them this morning and come to our suprise the neighbors jack got loose again, but this time made it's way INTO the pasture. Looks like he's been there for a while as they were all relaxed in the pasture. Don't know if He got to the mares or not. One I wouldn't be so worried about, but my mare I am. She's 28+.. Vet said if she foaled again it would probably kill her. I'm hoping she finally stopped going into heat, but everytime I think that, BOOM she's in heat again.

I thought mules were infertile?

Edit, because I now feel stupid. XD I got it. The mares are horses, the suitor is a jack. XD

If you're truly concerned about your mares, especially the older girl, call the vet out and have him give them each a shot of Lutalyse. Then present the bill to your neighbor when you you give him back his jack donkey.

How are mules infertile? O.O?

They are infertile due to the different number of chromosomes which is a result of two different speices creating an offspring. For istance, horses have 64 chromosomes and donkeys have 62, resulting in mules having 63 chromosomes. There are very rare cases in which female mules can produce an offspring with a purebred horse or donkey, but it is rare.


This is what I understand, someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

This is correct. As of about 10 years ago there were only 2 mule mares that were able breed and none of their offspring were able to breed. No other scientifically proven mules were able to breed.


And I agree with Speed Racer that you should get your vet to give Lutalyse. It isn't 100% effective but hopefully it will work.

Wow I never knew that. What about the males? Are they the same? Not able to reproduce?
Thanks for the advice!

Yes, the male mules are infertile. You have to geld them however because they do produce male hormones.

Oh wow, that's amazing! I never knew that, wow I feel dumb haha, learn something new every day!

Did you know that Female mules can cary a foal though? There is a Gypsy farm near me that uses mules to cary in utro foals, so that her mares can stay in the show ring. That way you can also get several foals out of one mare ;P