A draught animal is a (semi-)domesticated animal used for transport and haulage (the heavy labour of pulling carts, hauling timber and ploughing fields are examples).

Different types of animals are used for this purpose around the world depending on the conditions and the intended use of the animal.

Animals

• Horses are commonly used but are often not considered the best animals for heavy pulling.
• Oxen (cattle) are often considered the best animals for heavy work, especially where surefootedness is necessary or if wet conditions prevail. However, they are required in numbers that make them expensive to procure and they are generally hard to raise in more arid climates.
• Traditionally, in the United States and for military use, mules have been considered excellent draught animals but are also very expensive since they cannot breed.
• Donkeys are often used in semi-arid climates by average peasants and farmers due to their tenacity and low cost.
• Yaks are used in Himalayan areas.
• Camels are used in many arid areas for both transportation and haulage.
• Dogs are used in some countries for pulling light carts.
• Reindeer are used in cold climates.
• Buffalo are commonly used in the tropics and very wet subtropical areas.
• Humans have been used extensively as draught animals in the past and, to some extent, in many countries they still are.