The feeding quality of rice (Oryza sativa L.) straw at different cutting heights and the related stem morphological traits

► Nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) content of rice straw decreased but crude protein (CP) content increased with the cutting height increasing. ► NSC content in the top 3rd node of stem was higher than in the 2nd and 1st node and was higher than in leaf and sheath of the same node. ► CP content in the top 1st node of leaf was higher than in the 2nd and 3rd node and was higher than in stem and sheath of the same node. ► Wall thickness (WT) and the percentage of parenchyma area of stem could be used as selective traits for more digestible rice straw. ► Small ear type Wuyujing 3 and super rice Nanjing 44 had better feeding quality of rice straw than indica rice Liangyoupeijiu and late maturing type Nanjing 46.