To investigate the effects of dietary protein and calcium levels on calcium and bone metabolism Sprague-Dawley male growing rats weighting approximately 91.4g were divided into four groups and fed one of the following four experimental diets-15% protein 0.2% calcium ; 15% protein 0.5% calcium ; 30% protein 0.2% calcium ; 30% protein 0.5% calcium-for five weeks. Calcium intake and excretion, apparent calcium absorption were measured and bone densities and mineral contents of femur and scapula were analyzed. Calcium excretion through feces and urine was significantly greater in animals receiving diets of higher calcium. Fecal calcium but not urinary calcium excretion was greater when the protein level was increased from 15% to 30%. Apparent calcium absorption rate was significantly higher with lower calcium intakes. Serum alkaline phosphatase activity was significantly higher in 0.2% calcium group than in 0.5% calcium group, while urinary hydroxyproline excretion was essentially same among all experimental groups. Weights and mineral contents or protein. Bone weights were greater, but calcium and ash contents of femur and scapula were lower in animals on the diet containing low calcium and high protein, which suggests that bone metabolism may be affected by the interaction between calcium and protein intake. These results indicate that during growth high protein intake might be beneficial to bone health if the diet is sufficient in calcium, however, if the diet fails to provide an optimum amount of calcium, such practice might be detrimental.