Objective To evaluate the effect of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) on early tendon-bone healing after reconstruction of rotator cuff tears in Wistar rats. Methods The models of rotator cuff supraspinatus tendon by full-thickness transverse tears at the greater tuberosity point in bilateral upper limbs of 54 Wistar rats were established and reconstructed. TGF-β1 induced by fibrin glue was injected at the tendon-bone interface to release osteogenesis after 6 weeks. The rats were randomly divided into low-dose TGF-β1 group, high-dose TGF-β1 group and control group, and then executed randomly at 1st, 2nd and 3rd week to make the supraspinatus specimens for biomechanical testing. Results The rupture point was formed within the suture of rotator cuff in each group by visual observation. The maximum tensile strength, maximum loading percentage, stiffness and maximum cross-section area of tendon-bone interface in high-dose group were higher than those in low-dose group and control group (P<0.05). The maximum loading percentage，maximum tensile strength, stiffness, stiffness percentage and the maximum cross-section area of tendon-bone interface in low-dose group were significantly higher than those in control group (P<0.05). High-dose TGF-β1 could promote the healing during early reconstruction of rotator cuff tears, the tensile strength and stiffness at the tendon-bone interface would increase with the rehabilitation period prolonging. Conclusions TGF-β1 can increase the maximum tensile strength, maximum loading percentage, stiffness and maximum cross-section area of tendon-bone interface, induce the fractured section to directly generate complex structure, thus promote the healing of rotator cuff tears.