Livestock

The domestic horse (Equus caballus) is descended from the wild horse of the steppes of Eurasia. Horses are mostly used for riding and as draft animals, and they are also eaten in many countries.

There are many varieties of horses. The Arabian horse has been bred for great speed, and is the most common type of riding and racing horse. Although quite fleet, this breed does not have great endurance, and cannot maintain a fast pace for very long. Other horses, such as the hackney and the American standard, have been bred to haul lightweight carriages and racing harnesses. Horses bred for use as draft animals to pull large wagons or plows are much larger, and include the Clydesdale, Percheron, and Belgian breeds.

The domestic donkey (Equus asinus) is derived from the wild ass of Africa. This animal is mostly used for riding and as a beast of burden, but it is also eaten and used as a source of milk. The mule is a hybrid cross between a male donkey and a female horse, and is highly prized as a draft and riding animal. However, mules are infertile, and the only way to produce them is to keep crossing horses and donkeys.