in nutritive value with low level of protein (2–5%DM), high
fiber and lignin content (NDFN50%), low DM digestibility
(b65%) thus resulting in low voluntary feed intake (1.5–2.0%)
(Wanapat et al., 1985). Of the chemical treatment procedures
available generally for improving cereal straws, Fadel Elseed
et al. (2003) show that when using urea combined with
calcium hydroxide, it could improve rumen degradability.
Furthermore, Wanapat et al. (2009) suggested that using 2%
urea and 2% calcium hydroxide treated rice straw could
improve rumen fermentation and milk production. The
concentrated alkaline agents can chemically break the ester
bonds between lignin and hemicellulose and cellulose, and physically make structural fibers swollen. These effects
enable rumen microbes to attack the structural carbohydrates
more easily, increasing digestibility, and at the same time
increasing palatability of the treated straw. Moreover,
Soybean meal has long been used as a prominent source of
protein for ruminants especially for dairy cows but the price
has been dramatically increased thus, impacting on higher
cost of production