The influence of photoperiod on growth and sexual function in male and female collared lemmings (Dicrostonyx groenlandicus).

The effect of photoperiod on sexual function and growth in weanling male and female collared lemmings (Dicrostonyx groenlandicus) was studied. Males and females maintained in 6 hr light:18 hr dark after weaning were larger at the end of 70 days than their siblings kept in 20L:4D. Males in 6L:18D were longer and overall body growth was greater. Males in 6L:18D had heavier adrenals but there were no differences in the weights of testes, preputial glands or seminal vesicles or in the mean testosterone levels of the two groups. Females in 6L:18D had heavier preputial glands than the 20L:4D females. There were no differences between the two groups in uterine, ovarian or adrenal weights or in the number or mean size of atretic or healthy Graafian follicles. Adult males kept in 6L:18D increased more in body weight than those in 20L:4D, but there was no detectable influence of the short photoperiod on reproductive function.