What Are Donkeys Good For?

Donkeys, asses, burros or Equus africanus assinus are incredibly useful animals. They were first domesticated about 5,000 to 6,000 B.C. Some parts of the world still rely on donkeys for transportation and hauling. Donkeys work as hard as horses, but on less feed. Donkeys are used for many different tasks today.

  1. Riding, Driving and Hauling

    • Despite their small size, donkeys are very strong animals and can be used exactly like a horse. Donkeys can be ridden, driven in harnesses and carry packs or burdens too heavy for people. Donkeys lack a horse's withers, the small bump at the base of the neck, so saddles may need cruppers in order to keep from slipping. Cruppers are leather straps around the tail that connect to the saddle. Donkeys compete in shows in events similar to horses. One of the most prestigious shows is the Great Celebration Mule and Donkey Show of Shelbyville, Tennessee.

    Livestock Guardians

    • Donkeys have a strong instinct to protect their herd. Donkeys get along well with sheep and goats and will protect them from predators such as dogs, coyotes, foxes or bobcats, according to the Texas Department of Agriculture. Donkeys live longer than dogs and can eat whatever the sheep and goats eat. Miniature donkeys are too small to be effective livestock guardians. One donkey can protect a herd of 200 sheep or goats. Donkey guardians often have little contact with horses, mules or other donkeys in order to strengthen their bond with the herd they are to guard.

    Companions

    • Donkeys are often kept as pets. They are intelligent, calm and amusing. They cost less in feed and shoeing bills than a horse or pony. Unlike horses, most donkeys do well around children. Donkeys also make great companions to other farm animals, especially horses. Having a calm, quiet companion nearby can help a high-strung horse relax.

    Breeding Mules

    • Male donkeys or jacks are essential for breeding mules. The jack is bred with a female horse or mare to produce the mule. A male horse or stallion bred to a female donkey or jenny is called a hinny. To produce hinnies, the jenny needs to be larger than the stallion in order to give birth to a foal. Mules and hinnies combine the strength and temperament of a donkey with the height of a horse. Mules are usually more in demand than donkeys for their size and strength. But since the mule or hinny is a hybrid, they are sterile and cannot breed.