Abstract: To investigate the feeding quality and the related stem morphological traits of rice (Oryza sativa) straw, eight japonica rice cultivars (Wuyujing 3, Yandao 830, Nanjing 44, Nanjing 46, Nanjing 47, Nanjing 5055, Wuxiangjing 14 and Zhendao 10) and one indica rice cultivar (Liangyoupeijiu) were cultivated in Nanjing under a common management schedule in 2011. At harvest, 50 tillers (with panicles removed to determine one-panicle weight) were used to investigate the feeding quality parameters such as nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC), crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF) contents and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD). The top third node of stem was observed for morphological characteristics such as the stem diameter (CD), wall thickness (WT), the percentage of mechanical tissues area (MTA), vascular bundle area (VBA) and parenchyma area in stem and the rate between WT and CD. The feeding qualities of cultural varieties were significantly (P<0.01) different, and NSC content and IVDMD of small ear type Wuyujing 3 and the super rice cultivar Nanjing 44 were high, while those of the late maturing varieties Nanjing 46 and Nanjing 47 were low. CD was significantly (P<0.01) positively correlated with NSC content and IVDMD of rice straw, and also with the one-panicle weight (P<0.01), which could be used as a selection trait for more digestible rice straw.