Apack animal, also known as asumpter animal orbeast of burden, is aworking animal used totransport goods or materials by carrying them, usually on its back.
Domestic animals of many species are used in this way, among themalpacas,Bactrian camels,donkeys,dromedaries,gaur,goats,horses,llamas,mules,reindeer,water buffaloes andyaks.
Traditional pack animals includeungulates such ascamels,[1] thedomestic yak,reindeer,goats,[2]water buffaloes, andllama, and domesticated members of thehorse family includinghorses,donkeys, andmules.[3] Occasionally,dogs can be used to carry small loads.[citation needed]
Hauling of goods in wagons with horses and oxen gradually displaced the use of packhorses, which had been important until theMiddle Ages, by the sixteenth century.[4]
Pack animals may be fitted withpack saddles and may also carrysaddlebags. Alternatively, a pair of weighted materials (often placed symmetrically) are calledpanniers.[citation needed]
While traditional usage of pack animals by nomadic tribespeople is declining, a new market is growing in the tourist expeditions industry in regions such as theHigh Atlas mountains of Morocco, allowing visitors the comfort ofbackpacking with animals.[3] The use of pack animals "is considered a valid means of viewing and experiencing" someNational Parks in America, subject to guidelines and closed areas.[5]
In the 21st century,special forces have received guidance on the use of horses, mules, llamas, camels, dogs, and elephants as pack animals.[6]
The maximum load for a camel is roughly 300 kg (660 lb).[7]
Yaks are loaded differently according to region. In Sichuan, 75 kilograms (165 lb) is carried for 30 km (19 mi) in 6 hours. In Qinghai, at 4,100 m (13,500 ft) altitude, packs of up to 300 kilograms (660 lb) are routinely carried, while up to 390 kilograms (860 lb) is carried by the heaviest steers for short periods.[8]
Llamas can carry roughly a quarter of their body weight, so an adult male of 200 kilograms (440 lb) can carry some 50 kilograms (110 lb).[citation needed]
Loads for equids are disputed. The US Army specifies a maximum of 20 percent of body weight for mules walking up to 32 km (20 mi) a day in mountains, giving a load of up to about 91 kilograms (200 lb). However an 1867 text mentioned a load of up to 360 kilograms (800 lb). In India, the prevention of cruelty rules (1965) limit mules to 200 kilograms (440 lb) and ponies to 70 kilograms (150 lb).[9]
Reindeer can carry up to 40 kg (88 lb) for a prolonged period inmountains.[10]
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