Abstract: The testis development of striped hairy-footed hamsters in a photoperiod of intermediate duration (14L:10D) is influenced by the photoperiod to which the mothers are subjected during gestation.12L:12D promotes rapid gonadal development in young,while 16L:8D supresses gonadal development in young.Prenatal exposure to short photoperiod delays the start of spermatogenesis and reduces the numbers of gonocytes. The maternal pineal gland and melatonin mediate the effects of daylength during the prenatal period on the testis development in young. There is a restricted period for reception of the prenatal signal, with maximum sensitivity to maternal melatonin occuring 3-5 day before parturition.The response to postnatal melatonin signals dose not depend on the photoperiod in effect before brith. However, the prenatal photoperiod can influence the postnatal melatonin secretion pattern in males.

Key words: dryland in Southern Shanxi, summer fallow period, soil moisture, soil nutrient.