Variability of leaf shear strength in perennial ryegrass

摘要

Leaf shear strength of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenneL.) was studied as a possible indicator of the resistance of herbage to breakdown during chewing and rumination. Leaf strength as measured on a Warner-Bratzler meat tenderometer proved to be readily recorded, repeatable, and heritable. Predicted heritability within a synthetic cultivar was calculated as 0.36.