Cross-fostering of Voles Demonstrates in Utero Effect of Photoperiod1

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Abstract
Postweaning body growth the reproductive tract weight of montane voles raised from birth in 14 h light/day are modulated by the photoperiod to which the voles'' mothers were exposed while pregnant. This effect could result from factors acting in utero or during lactation, as a result of a change in photoperiod experienced by the mother on the day she gave birth. To distinguish between these hypotheses, male voles exposed to short or long photoperiods while pregnant. The differences in body weight, total length, and reproductive tract weight between voles at 74 days of age can be attributed to facotrs acting in utero. The effects of the gestational photoperiod are not manifested in the patterns of growth until after weaning.