The donkey has served humans for thousands of years and is versatile in its uses. Donkeys are very capable mammals. They assist farmers in their work, transport loads, breed mules, provide companionship to horses, herd sheep, or are even kept as pets. They are also valued in many regions for their ability to live in the desert. With their robust stomachs and ability to extract water from food, donkeys are superior to horses in those environments. Donkeys have been known for their use in wartime as well as their general reliability, and their numbers and popularity continue to grow.