Sodium hydroxide treatment of rice straw reduced (P<0.01) the CWC and silica contents, while cell content and ash contant increased (P<0.01). The IVDMD, IVCWD, IVADFD, IVHCD and IVCD values increased (P<0.01) with increasing level of NaOH. However, the NaOH treatment at 5% (w/w) was found appropriate for improving the nutritive value of straw. The correlation coefficient of cell contents with IVDMD was positive (P<0.01), whereas CWC, ADF, hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin and silica were negatively (P<0.01) correlated. Steam pressure treatment of rice straw reduced (P<0.05) the CWC, hemicellulose, L/ADF, L/C and silica contents, whereas cell contents and lignin increased (P<0.05). The IVDMD, IVCWD and IVCD values were higher in treated straw than untreated straw. The IVHCD decreased and IVADFD remained unaffected due to steam pressure treatment. However, prolonged duration of steaming beyond
