Can a Donkey and a Horse Breed? Exploring Mules and Hinnies

Discover if donkeys and horses can breed and learn about mules and hinnies in this informative Q&A.

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Yes, a donkey and a horse can breed. When a male donkey (jack) breeds with a female horse (mare), the offspring is known as a mule. Conversely, a hinny results from a male horse (stallion) breeding with a female donkey (jenny). These hybrids typically are sterile and cannot reproduce due to differing chromosome numbers between horses and donkeys.

FAQs & Answers

  1. Can horses and donkeys produce viable offspring? No, while horses and donkeys can breed to produce hybrids like mules and hinnies, these offspring are typically sterile and cannot reproduce.
  2. What is the difference between a mule and a hinny? A mule is produced when a male donkey (jack) breeds with a female horse (mare), while a hinny is produced when a male horse (stallion) breeds with a female donkey (jenny).
  3. Why are mules and hinnies sterile? Mules and hinnies are sterile due to the differing number of chromosomes between horses and donkeys, which prevents them from producing viable gametes.
  4. What is the chromosome difference between horses and donkeys? Horses have 64 chromosomes while donkeys have 62. This difference in chromosome number leads to the sterility of their hybrid offspring.