The chemical composition and protein degradability of Antiaris africana, Delonix regia, Milletia thonningii, Khaya senegalensis, Griffonia simplicifolia, Ritchea reflexa and Securinega virosa as well as treated or untreated rice straw were studied. The rice straw was treated with either sodium hydroxide (4.42 per cent w/w) or urea (7.55 per cent w/w) was used in the treatment of the straw. Wethers averaging 23.2 1 0.60 kg liveweight and fitted with rumen canulae were fed with the straw and browse and 5 g sample placed in a nylon bag and incubated in the rumen. Data were fitted to the equation P = a + b(1-e-et) where P is extent of degradation at time t, a is percentage loss of water soluble component, b is percentage loss of water insoluble component, c is rate of degradation of component b, and (a + b) is the maximum percentage loss of protein. Significant differences (P