Donkeys are of a powerful, sturdy build. They have a grey coat and white colouring around the snout and eyes. The donkey has been serving mankind for thousands of years and can be used for a variety of tasks. Donkeys are very efficient mammals. They support the farmer at his work, transport loads, sire mules, keep horses company, tend sheep and are even kept as pets. In many regions they are also appreciated for their ability to live in the desert. Thanks to their robust stomachs and an ability to extract water from food, donkeys are superior to horses in that aspect. Donkeys were well-known for their use in war and their general reliability.