The donkey, scientifically classified as Equus asinus, is a domesticated member of the horse family, Equidae. For over 5,000 years, this species has been instrumental to human civilization, primarily serving as a draft and pack animal across the globe. Their renowned hardiness and ability to thrive in arid environments made them invaluable for transport and agriculture, particularly in regions with harsh terrain. This long history of close association with humans has led to a specific set of terminology to describe the different sexes and ages of the animal.
The Term for a Female Donkey
The correct and most widely accepted term used to identify a female donkey is a jennet, or more commonly, a jenny. This designation is specific to the donkey species and differentiates it from the female of the horse species, which is called a mare. The term jennet is considered the more formal nomenclature, while jenny is a familiar and frequently used shortened version. The use of these specific terms is important for clarity in breeding, veterinary, and agricultural contexts.
Essential Terminology for Donkeys
Moving beyond the female, the intact adult male donkey is known as a jack, or sometimes a jackass. This term refers specifically to a male capable of reproduction. A male donkey that has been castrated is referred to as a gelding, a term shared with castrated male horses. The differentiation between a jack and a gelding is important for management, as the intact male possesses different behavioral characteristics.
The young of a donkey, regardless of sex, is called a foal, a term also used for a young horse. For more specific identification, a young male donkey is a colt, and a young female donkey is a filly, until they reach maturity, typically around four years of age. A general or collective term for a group of donkeys is often referred to as a drove or a herd. The Spanish word for the animal, burro, is also commonly used, particularly in the American West to refer to smaller donkeys or feral populations.
Donkeys and Their Place in the Equine Family
Donkeys and horses belong to the same family, Equidae, but they are distinct species with different biological characteristics. This difference is reflected in their genetics, as a horse possesses 64 chromosomes, while the donkey has 62 chromosomes. This unequal number of chromosomes dictates the outcome of any interbreeding attempts between the two species.
The breeding of a male donkey (jack) with a female horse (mare) results in a hybrid known as a mule. Conversely, the less common offspring of a male horse (stallion) and a female donkey (jennet) is called a hinny. Both the mule and the hinny inherit 63 chromosomes, which is an odd number. This odd count prevents the chromosomes from pairing correctly during meiosis, the process required to create sperm or egg cells, which is why the hybrids are nearly always sterile.