Comparison of hair characteristics of ‘Akhal-Teke’ with those of other breeds

Abstract

The primary subject of this doctoral thesis was an analysis of hair characteristics in Akhal-Teke horses compared to English Thoroughbred, Arabian, and Shagya-Arabian breeds. Despite the Akhal-Teke’s renowned metallic coat appearance and evolutionary history, quantitative analysis of their hair properties has been notably absent from scientific literature. Therefore, this research examined three hypotheses: that Akhal-Teke horses possess significantly thinner hair fibres, demonstrate unique mechanical properties, and exhibit distinctive colorimetric patterns compared to other breeds. Hair samples from 60 horses (15 per breed) were analysed using microscopic analysis, mechanical testing, and colorimetric assessment.