The effect of feed restriction of broiler chicks during the 2nd wk of age on subsequent feed consumption and body growth to 49 days of age was investigated in two studies. From 7 to 14 days of age, female and male (in parentheses) birds were allowed to consume feed providing 35(36) or 60(65) kcal/bird per day or ad libitum-fed diets containing either 1.5 or 3% glycolic acid. The period of restriction was followed by ad libitum feeding.A marked reduction in feed intake was achieved by both physical feed restriction and inclusion in feed of the chemical additive. Final body weights and feed:gain ratios (0 to 49 days) of the restricted birds were consistently less than for the unrestricted (control) birds. No significant differences were observed in abdominal fat or in breast muscle as a percentage of body weight. The results show that dietary glycolic acid can serve as an anorectic agent and replace the traditional physical feed restriction regimen.