Silly Question I'm Sure

DanielleS · 12-31-2007, 09:45 PM

So I have read that Mules are sterile. I know that there can be cases where they are not. So would I be correct in thinking that they have the parts needed to breed? How does that work?

Just a bit of curiosity

**taelesean** · 12-31-2007, 10:25 PM

All the parts are physically present and in working order - it's the genetics that don't usually work. Donkeys have one more or less chromasone than horses (can't remember if it's more or less) so they don't match up to any other chromosone for breeding (even other mules). It's kinda like a zipper with one tooth missing, it won't stay zipped.

Mule mares will come into heat and Stud mules are generally gelded to keep them from becoming aggresive and studly with mares.

DanielleS · 12-31-2007, 10:27 PM

Odd.

Thanks for the info!

pasopony · 01-02-2008, 09:56 AM

Donkeys have two less chromosomes (12) than horses (14) and the hybrid mules end up with an odd number (13) and are usually sterile because of this. However, it is not unheard of for a Molly to give birth - just rather rare.

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12-31-2007, 09:45 PM
DanielleS Coming two Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Middletown, MD Posts: 1,609	Silly Question I'm Sure So I have read that Mules are sterile. I know that there can be cases where they are not. So would I be correct in thinking that they have the parts needed to breed? How does that work? Just a bit of curiosity __________________ My horse can inspire tears and cure them with just a look or nuzzle. http://www.freewebs.com/daniellespare/

12-31-2007, 10:25 PM
taelesean Administrator Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Virginia Posts: 5,631	All the parts are physically present and in working order - it's the genetics that don't usually work. Donkeys have one more or less chromasone than horses (can't remember if it's more or less) so they don't match up to any other chromosone for breeding (even other mules). It's kinda like a zipper with one tooth missing, it won't stay zipped. Mule mares will come into heat and Stud mules are generally gelded to keep them from becoming aggresive and studly with mares. __________________

12-31-2007, 10:27 PM
DanielleS Coming two Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Middletown, MD Posts: 1,609	Odd. Thanks for the info! __________________ My horse can inspire tears and cure them with just a look or nuzzle. http://www.freewebs.com/daniellespare/

01-02-2008, 09:56 AM
pasopony Yearling Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 808	Donkeys have two less chromosomes (12) than horses (14) and the hybrid mules end up with an odd number (13) and are usually sterile because of this. However, it is not unheard of for a Molly to give birth - just rather rare. __________________ Horses are not my whole life, but horses make my life whole.