TYPES AND MARKET CLASSES OF LIVE STOCK 399 



Weight for age. Draft horses that are properly fed and 

 cared for usually reach at least 50 per cent, of their matured 

 weight at 12 months of age; 75 per cent, at 24 months; 85 per 

 cent, at 36 months; 95 per cent, at 48 months; and 100 per cent, 

 at 60 months. On this basis the horse that is to weigh a ton 

 at maturity should weigh not less than 1000 pounds at 12 

 months, 1500 pounds at 24 months, 1700 pounds at 36 months, 

 1900 pounds at 48 months, and 2000 pounds at 60 months. 

 These are general averages. Variations will occur depending on 

 feed, care, breed, sex, and individual. Belgians and Percherons 

 mature somewhat earlier than Shires and Clydesdales. Mares 

 and geldings mature quicker than stallions, but do not as a rule 

 make as heavy weights at maturity. Some highly-fed colts and 

 fillies make the weights mentioned at 12 and 24 months and 

 then stop growing so soon that they fall considerably below a 

 ton at maturity. This is especially true of yearlings and two- 

 year-olds that have a compact, low-set form and finished appear- 

 ance like a mature horse, instead of the growthy, rugged appear- 

 ance characteristic of youngsters that ultimately reach real draft 

 horse size and weight. 



