Growth performance was evaluated in 72 Holstein calves fed milk replacer or whole milk diet and a starter containing steam-flaked corn at: 283, 360 or 437 g/L. The animals were blocked by birth and sex in a 2 x 3 factorial design. Enzymatic in vitro starch availability of the steam-flaked corn decreased as grain densities increased. During the post-weaning period, there was no effect of the processed corn at the different densities and type of the liquid diet on dry matter intake, daily body gain, feed conversion and age when calves started eating corn silage (when the starter intake reached 2500 g/day). Calves fed milk replacer during pre-weaning period showed the lowest body weight at 120 days old (108.9 vs. 118.5 kg).
grain processing; milk substitute; starch; weaning
