Seasonal variations in male mice at the time of sexual maturation

The sexual maturation of male mice reared under constant laboratory conditions was studied in animals born in different months of the year. The body weights were significantly affected by the month of birth. Males born in March and May were heavier at 4 and 5 weeks of age than those born in autumn and winter. As indicated by the relative weights of accessory glands, males born in spring matured earlier compared with animals born in other months of the year. Variation in the relative testicular weights during maturation was not influenced by the month of birth. Female mice also showed a significant relationship between the month of birth and sexual maturation. Females born in March reached puberty, as measured by the age of vaginal opening and first oestrus, earlier than those born in other months of the year.