Usually, donkeys are used on jobs that are associated with the transportation of heavy loads, and the usual pace for the donkey is a step. But, on occasion, they can run frisky at a trot and even at a gallop. In Spain, India, Pakistan, Mexico, they practice donkey races and donkey polo. The meat of these animals is quite edible, but tough and suits only for sausage making, so from the time when mankind domesticated other types of cattle, donkeys are not bred for meat. Milk of donkeys also went out of use, although in ancient times it was drunk on a par with camel and sheep.
According to legend, the queen Cleopatra took rejuvenating baths of donkey milk, for this her cortege was always accompanied by a herd of 100 donkeys. In addition, the farm uses donkey skins and leather, which is used to make belts. Modern donkeys have a new role – they started to be started simply as companions for children, as well as for demonstration at exhibitions. Associations of donkey fans are present in many countries, exhibitions are held on different continents every year, and donkey dresses are shown on rodeo shows.
To keep these animals in the conditions of a large city became again profitable, because they do not require large areas and complex care, do not pose a danger to outsiders. In addition, donkeys are used in the production of mules. Mules are very hardy hybrids of donkey and mare. The mules themselves are sterile, so a large number of thoroughbred donkeys are required for their reproduction. The best donkey-producers from Spain and France cost up to 10 000 francs.
Mammoth is the largest breed of donkeys in the world. Height at the withers is 140-160 cm. Color is often fawn and red, less often black and piebald, the muzzle is slightly lighter. Mammoth donkeys were bred in the USA in the 19th century for the needs of agriculture and mule production, at the beginning of the 20th century the breed survived the crisis due to widespread mechanization, but the American farmers not only actively engaged in the cultivation of these donkeys, but still use them in the field Works. The breed was derived from the complex hybridization of standard, Poitus and Catalan donkeys.
