Effects of conservation method and crushing method of rice grain on rumen fermentation and nutrient digestibility in steers

•Effect of feeding ensiled rice instead of dried rice in steers was investigated.•Ensiling treatment of rice grain increased effective ruminal degradability.•Feeding ensiled rice decreased fiber digestibility caused by lowered ruminal pH.•Nutrient digestibility except for fiber was improved by ensiling treatment.•Ensiling process could be a strategy to improve the nutrient value of rice grain.