Our objective was to investigate feeding microbially (fungal)-enhanced soy protein (MSP) in dairy calf starter pellets on growth performance, health, and nutrient utilization. Thirty-eight Holstein calves (2 d old; 25 females, 13 males) in individual hutches were used in a 12-wk randomized complete block design study. Treatments were 2 starter pellets including: a control (CON) versus 8% MSP (DM basis). Calves were fed 2.83 L of pasteurized milk 2 × /d during wk 1 to 5 and 1 × /d during wk 6. Pellets and water were fed ad libitum. Fecal scores (0 = firm, 3 = watery) and respiratory scores (healthy ≤3, sick ≥5) calculated from the sum of scores for rectal temperature, cough, ocular, and nasal discharge were recorded daily. Body weights (BW) and frame growth were measured 2 d and jugular blood samples were taken 1 d every 2 wk at 3 h post morning feeding. Fecal grab samples were collected in wk 12 for analysis of total-tract digestibility (TTD). Results were analyzed using MIXED procedures with repeated measures in SAS 9.4. Significant differences were declared at P < 0.05 and tendencies were 0.05 ≤ P < 0.10. Total DMI (1,522 and 1,470 g/d; SEM = 48.62) was greater (P = 0.02) in CON than MSP. Calf BW (75.4 and 75.0 kg; SEM = 2.39), ADG (0.77 and 0.75 kg/d; SEM = 0.05), and withers height (89.1 and 90.1 cm; SEM = 0.86) were similar. Gain:feed (0.62 and 0.60 kg/kg; SEM = 0.03) was similar; however there was an interaction of treatment by wk (P < 0.01). Plasma urea nitrogen (12.6 and 11.1 mg/dl; SEM = 0.39) was less (P < 0.01), but β- hydroxy butyrate (31.1 and 34.5 mg/dl; SEM = 1.28) was greater (P = 0.04) in calves fed MSP. Glucose (124.3 and 123.6 mg/dl; SEM = 2.59) and triglycerides (31.5 and 30.1 mg/dl; SEM = 1.19) were similar. Calves fed MSP had greater (P < 0.05) CP, NDF and ADF and tendency (P = 0.06) for greater DM TTD. Fecal scores were similar with an interaction of treatment by wk (P < 0.01). Body temperature and respiratory scores were similar (P > 0.05). Results demonstrated that feeding calves MSP improved TTD, fecal consistency, and maintained growth performance.