A series of studies was conducted over two years to evaluate the replacement of starch (dry rolled corn) with a nonforage fiber source (soybean hulls) on performance, mineral, and blood metabolite status of newly arrived feedlot steer calves. Steers were randomly assigned to an oat silage-based diet containing starch from dry rolled corn or digestible fiber from soybean hulls. Diets were formulated for 12% CP (DM basis) and to meet or exceed NRC (1996) nutrient requirements for Ca, P, and vitamins A and E. Results indicated there was no difference in performance of the two treatments, however, the dry matter intake was greater for steers fed soybean hulls (P = 0.003). Based on two years of performance testing, the calculated metabolizable energy content of soybean hulls was estimated at 92.5% of the metabolizable energy value of dry rolled corn (2.74 vs. 2.96 Mcal/kg, respectively). These studies indicate that the use of soybean hulls can support body weight gains similar to the use of dry rolled corn in beef receiving diets.