What is a draft animal?

Mule-driven cart being used to dust cotton crops for boll weevil in Scott, MS (1919).
Image courtesy of USDA

A draft animal is one that is used to aid in work or labor. An ox is one type of draft animal that has been used for centuries for it’s ability to pull heavy carts.  Draft animals are typically livestock such as oxen, mules, and horses.  

Agricultural Sciences