The difference between a jack and a John donkey, also known as a gelding, lies in their reproductive status. A jack donkey is a male donkey that has not been castrated, while a John donkey is a castrated male donkey. The process of castration involves the removal of the testicles, rendering the donkey unable to reproduce.
Castration can be performed at different stages in a donkey's life. Some donkeys are gelded soon after birth, while others may be gelded when they are older. The timing of the castration can have an impact on the donkey's behavior and development.
When a donkey is gelded at a young age, such as right after birth, it is less likely to develop certain jack-like tendencies. These tendencies include aggressive behavior, mounting, and vocalization, which are influenced by the breeding hormones present in intact jacks. By castrating the donkey early on, these hormonal influences are eliminated, leading to a more docile and manageable temperament.
However, it's important to note that even though a John donkey does not possess the breeding hormones, it still retains the intelligence and characteristics typically associated with donkeys. Donkeys, in general, are known for their intelligence, stubbornness, and independent nature. These traits are not influenced by castration and remain present in both jacks and John donkeys.
In my personal experience with donkeys, I have worked with both jacks and John donkeys. While jacks can sometimes exhibit more assertive behavior and a stronger desire to breed, John donkeys tend to be more mellow and easygoing. They can still be stubborn at times, but without the added influence of the breeding hormones, they are generally more manageable.
To summarize, the main difference between a jack and a John donkey lies in their reproductive status. A jack is an intact male donkey, while a John donkey is a castrated male. Castration at a young age can help minimize certain aggressive and breeding-related behaviors, resulting in a more docile and manageable temperament. However, both jacks and John donkeys retain the intelligence and characteristic traits of donkeys.