Abstract: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of early feed restriction on growth performance and carcass characteristics in broiler chickens. A total of 800 1-d old broilers were randomly allotted to ad libitum and 3 feed-restricted treatments, each of which was replicated 8 times (25 birds per replicate) in a randomized complete block design. Broilers were feed-restricted between 8 and 14 d of age, and fed either control ad libitum diet (F100), 50% feed intake (FI50), 65% feed intake (FI65), or 80% feed intake (FI80). Results showed that body weight and weight gain were significantly (p<0.01) greater for FI100 in contrast to restricted groups. Feed intake was significantly (p<0.01) higher for FI65 at 21 d, while FI100 had a superior feed conversion (p<0.01). Abdominal fat pad weight was significantly (p<0.01) lower for the FI50 compared to the other treatments, while the control diet had a significantly higher (p<0.02) liver and heart weight. No significant differences were observed with regard to carcass yield, dressing percent, or gizzard weight.