The aim of current experiment was to examine the interaction between the type of forage and texture starter feed on performance of Holstein calves. Sixty Holstein calves were randomly assign to 4 experimental treatments as follow: study were used of 60 male and female Holstein calves, with initial weight of 40.75 ± 0.2 kg, in the form of a completely randomized factorial design with 4 treatments and 15 repetitions (8 males and 7 females). Dietary treatments were as follows:1.Textured starter feed with 5% (based on the ration dry matter) of alfalfa hay 2.Textured starter feed with 5% (based on dry matter feed) wheat straw 3. Ground starter feed with 5% (based on the ration dry matter) of alfalfa hay 4. Ground starter feed with 5% (based on the ration dry matter) of wheat straw. All calves were weaned on d 60 of age. Pre-weaning average daily gain during the whole period for Calves fed straw was significantly higher (P 0.05) with the increasing age post- weaning interaction between physical shape feed contains forage showed a significant difference (P 0.05) .Offer straw to feed calves to be weaned, tends to increase in feed efficiency (0P =0.06). Showed the treatments tested the total period the post weaning starter for straw and texture, respectively, a significant tendency to higher feed intake, (P =0.06) (P =0.07). There were significant differences in ruminal pH between 35 and 70 days of age for ST treatments compared AT. Calves fed ST treatments spend more time for rumination, laying and eating than AT treatment. The results of this study show that adding straw, alfalfa hay, compared with starter diet can play an important role in improving and performance of Holstein calves. consumption of wheat straw diet could be recommended starter of the fourth day after birth. Key Words : calves ،alfalfa hay، wheat straw، Textured of starter feed، Performance
