Donkeys, scientifically classified in the Equus genus alongside horses and zebras, are often called asses or burros. Like other domesticated livestock, donkeys have specific terminology used to describe them. The names vary depending on the animal’s age, gender, and reproductive status, which helps owners and breeders manage their herds.
Defining the Young Donkey
The universal term for a baby donkey, regardless of gender, is a foal. This classification is shared with other members of the Equidae family, such as horses. The term “foal” is accurate from birth until the animal reaches about one year of age.
For a young male donkey, the specific term is a colt, while a young female is called a filly. It is also acceptable to hear a young male referred to as a “jack foal” and a young female as a “jenny foal.” These gendered names typically apply until the donkey is around four or five years old, when they are considered fully mature.
Early Life and Development
The donkey’s reproductive cycle is characterized by a long gestation period, averaging around 12 months. This period can vary significantly, ranging from 11 to over 14 months.
Newborn donkey foals are precocious, meaning they are relatively mature and mobile from birth. A healthy foal is usually on its feet and attempting to nurse within the first hour of life. The average birth weight for a donkey foal is approximately 33.4 kilograms.
Receiving colostrum, the mother’s first milk, is important for the foal to gain passive immunity. The foal must consume this antibody-rich substance within the first 12 hours of life. The immediate bonding between the mother, called a jenny, and her foal is a rapid process maintained for many months.
Donkey foals are typically weaned later than many other domestic animals, often between four and six months of age. Separating a foal from its mother before three months is discouraged due to the young donkey’s continued reliance on its mother’s milk.
Related Donkey Terminology
The terminology for adult donkeys includes specific gendered names. An intact male donkey is called a jack, while a female donkey is a jenny or jennet. A male that has been castrated is known as a gelding.
A group of donkeys is commonly referred to as a herd, but the specialized collective nouns “pace” or “drove” are also used. Donkeys are also involved in the creation of hybrid animals. A mule is the offspring of a male donkey (jack) and a female horse (mare). Conversely, a hinny is the result of breeding a male horse (stallion) with a female donkey (jenny). Mules are the more common of the two hybrids.