Editing Mule (section)

== Care and management ==
A mule's diet is more similar to that of a donkey than a horse. They store water more efficiently, for example, and can consume 15 gallons of it daily, making them suitable for more desert-like climates. Their diet is also herbivorous, mainly consisting of grains, hay and greens, though they can also enjoy fruits and vegetables. Mules can have dietary preferences based on taste and texture.<ref name="caring">{{Cite web |author=<!--none--> |date=June 10, 2023 |title=Caring for Mules - Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park |url=https://www.nps.gov/choh/learn/historyculture/mule-care.htm |access-date=2025-03-02 |website=U.S. National Park Service |language=en}}</ref> Additionally, protein intake can be an issue with mules, so monitoring the amount of essential amino acids in their diet can be helpful.{{fact|date=March 2025}}

A mule's hooves should be cleaned regularly to remove debris and should be shortened at least every two months to prevent overgrowth, pain, and discomfort. If necessary, mules may also wear muleshoes to protect their hooves,<ref name="caring" /> and generally wear a smaller [[horseshoe]] than a horse of the same size, due to their smaller and narrower hooves.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gallery Item Display (U.S. National Park Service) |url=https://www.nps.gov/media/photo/gallery-item.htm?id=d054d686-9c77-8568-8983-83ce33348d90&gid=CFBE4D57-D292-E777-03F1DA2B00BD7C93 |access-date=2025-03-02 |website=www.nps.gov |language=en}}</ref> A mule's coat needs to be groomed regularly.<ref name="caring" />

An adult mule's temperature should remain within the range of 37.5°C – 38.5°C, their pulse has a healthy range of 26-40 bpm, and they should take 8-16 breaths per minute.<ref name=":82">{{Cite web |title=Differences between Horses and Donkeys |url=https://donkeymuletrust.org.nz/differences-3/ |access-date=2025-03-06 |website=Donkey & Mule Protection Trust NZ |language=en-NZ}}</ref>{{Clear}}