Abstract: The experiment was aimed at the effects of different structural starters on growth performance and diarrhea rate in calf. Three days of health Holstein cows were choosed as a test sample, then divided into four groups according to the principle of similar weight randomly, and each group contained 6 calves. The four groups were fed different grain material respectively. The results showed that compared with the control group, at the age of 30 days, calves weight in 2 group were significantly higher (P<0.05); at the age of 60 days, calves weight in 2 and 3 groups were significantly higher (P<0.05), the body height and chest circumference in 2 group were significantly higher (P<0.05). During the whole trial period, the feed intake of calf in 2 and 3 groups were significantly higher than the test group and control group (P<0.05). In the rate of diarrhea, the control group was minimum, but 1 group was the highest. From the growth performance and body measurements, the results showed that the calf starters with ratio of calf feed pellets, steam flaking corn to steam flaking wheat being 7:2:1, and adding 5% molasses spray were better than other groups, and had the highest feed utilization rate.

Key words: molasses; starters; growth performance