PRACTICAL MULE BREEDING 3OI 



cised in selecting both the jack and the mare, as suggested 

 for the stallion and mare (p. 268). The market value of 

 the mule will depend largely upon his size, conformation, 

 quality, action and color. These factors should be taken 

 nto consideration in selecting the mule-breeding stock. 

 Many breeders have fallen into the grievous way of con- 

 sidering a mare for mule breeding when no longer suited 

 for horse breeding. For some reason they seem to ex- 

 pect such a mare to produce a good mule. This is ex- 

 actly the cause of much of the prejudice against mule 

 jreeding. Not until due consideration is given the selec- 

 tion of both jack and mare can we hope to raise our mule 

 stock to the highest degree of efficiency obtainable. This 

 applies to the individuality of both parents as well as to 



icir suitability for mating. 



The type of mare to select will depend largely on the 

 class of mule it is desired to produce. In breeding mules 

 it is as important to study the market as in breeding 

 horses. If it is desired to produce a light mule, such as 

 mining mules, sugar mules, and the like, then mares of 

 the light type should be selected. On the other hand, if 

 the object is the production of draft mules, then the 

 mares should be of the heavy or draft type (p. 320). The 

 jack should be selected from the same point of view. 



Mare and mule foal. — In general, the care of the mare 

 and mule foal should be the same as that suggested for 

 the mare and horse foal (Chapters XXVII and XXVIII). 



