The incredible metallic sheen of Ahal-teke horses has always fascinated connoisseurs around the world, but for centuries, people have appreciated it solely by eye. Turkmen scientists have finally figured out what this natural mystery is, translating the phenomenal exterior feature into the strict language of academic science.
Specialists from the Laboratory of biotechnology of the International scientific and technological park of the Academy of sciences of Turkmenistan have proved that the famous ebb is not an isolated random feature, but a physic-chemical result of the synergy of the components of the hair structure. Three measurable biochemical components of the hair are responsible for the optical effect of the «biological lens», which refracts and amplifies reflected light: the keratin matrix, the lipid complex and a strictly defined balance of trace elements.
The innovative method is based on an integrated approach, including lipid extraction, protein hydrolysis, and atomic absorption spectrometry of minerals.
It has been experimentally proven that a high level of keratin protein and a concentration of key amino acids (lysine and alanine) ensure the density of fibrils and smoothness of the hair cuticle. The lipid complex creates the necessary reflective buffer, and the concentration of zinc and copper acts as a cofactor that determines the intensity of pigmentation and the ability of the surface to reflect light.
The «Method of system-integrated biochemical assessment of the determinants of phenotypic lustre of Ahal-teke horse hair» developed by a group of scientists including Altyn Rahmanova, Durdymyrat Gadamov and Tore Garlyyev has already been officially copyrighted and a patent application has been registered.
During the research, scientists for the first time identified individual digital biochemical profiles for the five main purebred Ahal-teke breeds: «Polat» (Black), «Kümüşsöw» (Grey), «Çuññur» (Bay), «Altyn çaýylan» (Buff) and «Merjen» (Isabella). This makes it possible to completely replace the subjective visual examination with accurate laboratory indicators, eliminating the human factor when evaluating thoroughbred horses at shows and exhibitions. Unlike existing foreign tests that examine only individual isolated genes of the suits, the method of Turkmen scientists evaluates the entire physic-chemical system of the hair in a complex.
In addition to the breeding value, the developed constants have direct practical application in veterinary medicine and animal science. They reflect not only the genetic potential of a horse, but also serve as an objective marker of the quality of its feeding and living conditions. This allows specialists to biotechnologically adjust the diet of the animal to achieve the best external performance even before the changes become visible visually.
The implementation of this system brings the breeding and certification of Ahal-teke horses, recognised as part of the UNESCO World heritage site, to a qualitatively new molecular level. It is symbolic that this breakthrough was made in a year that is held under the motto «Independent neutral Turkmenistan is the homeland of purposeful winged horses», demonstrating the successful synthesis of national traditions of horse breeding and advanced academic science.
