Many changes occur in the rumen as calves transition from consuming a liquid diet to a completely solid diet. These changes can be greatly affected by diet pre-weaning as well as the rate at which calves are weaned and can influence growth and calf health. A 2x2 factorial design (moderate (MOD) or high (HI) milk replacer (MR) feeding rates and abrupt (AB) or gradual (GR) weaning) was utilized to compare how calf performance pre-weaning is affected. Calves (n = 50, initial BW = 42 ± 1.3 kg) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments (13 for MOD-AB and MOD-GR, 12 for HI-AB and HI-GR). Data were analyzed as a completely randomized design with repeated measures when applicable by PROC MIXED in SAS. Calves assigned to MOD-AB were fed 0.66 kg (DM basis) MR for first 42 d then 0.33 kg for last 7 d, MOD-GR were fed 0.66 kg MR for 28 d, 0.33 kg for 14 d, and 0.17 kg for the last 7 d, HI-AB were fed 0.66 kg MR for 7 d, 0.82 kg for 7 d, 1.1 kg for 28 d, and 0.66 kg for the last 7 d, HI-GR were fed 0.66 kg MR for 7 d, 0.82 kg for 7 d, 1.1 kg for 14 d, 0.66 kg for 14 d, and 0.33 kg for the last 7 d. All calves received the same MR (25% CP, 17% fat DM basis) and were given ad libitum access to water and textured starter (42% starch and 20% CP). The initial body weight (BW), hip width (HW), hip height (HH), and body condition score (BCS) did not differ among calves. Starter consumption was greater for MOD calves compared with HI calves (P < 0.01) and GR consumed more than AB (P < 0.01). Feed efficiency (gain/feed; P < 0.01), ADG (P < 0.01), final HH (P = 0.03), and final BW (P = 0.02) were greater for HI calves compared with MOD calves. Final HH was greater for AB compared with GR calves (P = 0.04). There were no interactions. These results indicate that HI intake promoted higher BW at a greater rate and more efficient feed conversion before weaning. Whereas, GR weaning lead to more starter consumption and lower structural growth (HH).