중남미

For a sustainable and agro-ecological farming in mountainous areas of Venezuela, the use of local genetic resources such as donkey (Creole donkey) and the mules are an important option that has been used for generations; but today are in danger of extinction due to health problems (equine encephalitis, equine infectious anemia), donkeys inbreeding problems, poor or bad food handling, loss of knowledge of taming, among others reasons. In the highlands of Carabobo State where production of coffee (Coffea arabica) and yam (Diascorea spp.) are important, mules have played a strategic role for more than 200 years. Mountain terrain, have forced to used and choose of mules with low stature for greater balance, managing loads up to 100 kg per animal. At Juan Jose Mora County and Carlos Arvelo County at Carabobo State, there are more
than 100 animals between the two municipalities, from local origin and from farms in Falcon State. Farmers prefer the use of mules (derived from mares or female horse cross with donkeys or male ass) than hinny (derived from cross of female donkeys or Jennet with horse), because it is easier to get mares then female donkeys and female donkeys are used to generate replacement donkeys. They are fed with grass, corn (grain, stover) and commercial horse’s food. It is necessary the partnership between producers and the public sector to the rescue, preservation, integral evaluation and generation of animals.