Rice straw is a major agricultural byproduct consisting of the dried stems and leaves of the rice plant after the grain has been harvested. While traditionally considered a waste product, it is increasingly used as a cost-effective roughage for livestock, particularly in regions where other fodder is scarce. As shown in the image, rice straw is typically gathered and compressed into rectangular or round bales for storage and transport. It has a coarse texture and a characteristic golden-yellow hue. While it is lower in protein than Rhodes grass or corn silage, it serves as a valuable source of fiber and energy, often supplemented with urea or molasses to improve its nutritional profile for cattle and buffalo.