Hybridization with other Equidae

A donkey can be crossed with a mare and produce a mule (mule if male), and a horsecan be crossed with a donkey and produce a hinny. Both horse and donkey hybrids are almost always sterile because donkeys have 62 chromosomes while horses have 64, sothat hybrids have an odd number, 63, hindering the formation of functional gametes.

Economic Exploitation

Since the beginning of history, donkeys have been used in Europe, Asia and Africa to move loads, pull carts and carry people. Although not as fast and strong as horses, maintenance is less costly, have a high strength and long life and are more agile onrough terrain and irregular than the horses. Continue to be of crucial economic importance in many developing countries.
Donkeys have a long reputation for stubbornness, but this is due to misinterpretation ofsome of its highly developed survival instinct. It is difficult to force a donkey to do something that contradicts their own interests. These animals are smart, cautious, friendly, playful and interested in learning. Once you have earned your trust can be good partners in work and recreation, which is why they are now commonly kept as pets in countries where their use as beasts of burden has disappeared. They are also popular for walking children in holiday resorts and recreation.