To reduce the length of nursing period and calf mortality before weaning by the use of calf starter rations, 15 pre-weaning calves composed of offsprings of Sahiwal-Friesian (female) × LID-Friesian (9 calves) and Sahiwal-Friesian × LID-Jersey (6 calves), were divided in to three Groups A, B and C, and fed three different calf starter rations, A, B and C, respectively. Rations B and C were prepared by using locally-available agricultural products and by-products except imported soybean meal. Rations B and C contained 45% and 30% cassava chips, respectively, as a main energy source replacing maize. Ration A was entirely composed of imported feed ingredients. The calf starter rations were given from the first to the 16th week of age. At the initial period, whole milk was also given at the rate of about 10% of body weight twice a day, but its amount was decreased gradually, and its supply was stopped at 12 weeks of age. From 6 weeks of age to the end of the experiment Napier grass was supplied. Water was provided individually ad libitum from a pail.
　The results indicated that total weight gain and daily gain of Group B were lower than those of Groups A and C, but there was no statistically significant difference among groups. The daily gains for Groups A, B and C during the whole experimental period were 0.420, 0.386 and 0.444 kg, respectively.
　Body weight and 11 items of body measurements of the calves at 16 weeks of age were compared with data of Holstein Friesian cattle of the same age in Japan. The body weight was about one-half of the latter, while body measurements ranged from 77 to 90%. The percentages of height and depth were generally larger than those of length and width.
　There was no statistically significant difference in digestibility of feed, and TDN, DCP and DE utilization among groups. A large amount of calf starter intake in Group A depressed the intake of Napier grass as compared with Group C, but TDN and DCP intake were relatively equal among the three groups. There was no statistically significant difference in total feed intake among groups.
　Few cases of bloat-like symptom and soft feces were observed in a few calves in Groups B and C.
　In conclusion, cassava chips and other locally produced feed resources can be utilized as an effective calf starter ration comparable to the one entirely composed of imported feed ingredients. However, the result of this experiment suggests that the content of cassava chip less than 30% in the calf starter ration is desirable.