Description
Williams, John Oscar; Speelman, Sanford Reed (1949). Mule Production. Farmers‘ Bulletin NO. 1341. United States. Department of Agriculture. 28 Seiten.
The ability of the mule to endure hardship and perform sterling service under adverse conditions has established him as a real asset in American agriculture. The mule will give best service under favorable conditions of feeding and management. Good, sound mares should be selected for breeding in order to be successful in producing high-grade mules. A very desirable „mule mare“ is one having about one-fourth draft blood and three-fourths lighthorse blood. The most practical feeds to use for mules are those which are grown on the farm or plantation so far as they provide the essential nutrients for a balanced ration. The general form and appearance of the mule should resemble closely that of a horse, and in judging mules the same general points of perfection should be looked for. Mules range in height from 12 hands to 17½ hands and in weight from 600 pounds to 1,600 pounds. While the mule is essentially a draft animal, it is used widely for utility purposes, especially in the South. A smart, alert mule, with a long, free stride at the walk and a snappy, balanced trot is highly desired.
