This experiment was conducted to study the correlations between shearing force and nutrient contents of cotton stem. Cotton stems were cut into three parts at 1/3 from bottom (bottom 1/3), 1/3 in the middle (middle 1/3) and 1/3 from top (top 1/3), respectively. The mass and length of different parts were tested, and the linear density was calculated; the shearing force and main nutrient contents of stem and lateral branch were determined. The results showed as follows:the linear density and diameter increased from top to bottom, and the differences among three parts were significant (P<0.05); crude protein content of whole cotton stem was 8.78%; neutral detergent fibre content in stem bottom 1/3 was the highest (62.54%), while that in cotton leaves was the lowest (35.51%); crude protein and ash contents had negative correlations with shearing force (P<0.001); dry matter, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre and hemicellulose had positively correlations with shearing force (P<0.001). In conclusion, in different parts of cotton stem, shearing force is mainly affected by diameter and nutrient contents, and strong linear relationships exist between shearing force and nutrient contents.