The influence of previous feed (energy) or protein restriction on daily gain composition was investigated on 78 pigs. Group E pigs from 15 to 25 kg (restriction period) consumed 40% less feed (energy) daily, group P pigs, 40% less protein as compared with control pigs, group C. From 25 to 70 kg (realimentation period) all pigs were fed diets with a low (12.4 MJ ME) or high (13.2 MJ ME) energy content on a restricted feeding level or ad libitum. Animals were slaughtered at 15 kg (n=4), 25 kg (n=12) and 70 kg (n=66) and their bodies were analysed for protein, fat, ash and water content. During restriction the P and E animals grew more slowly than the C pigs (370 and 247 vs 513 g/day, P<0.01) and deposited less protein daily in their bodies (39 and 37 vs 72 g, PO.01). Daily fat deposition differed between groups ofpigs (P<0.01) and was the lowest in the E (13 g) and the highest in the P pigs (95 g). During realimentation (25-70 kg) the P pigs deposited more protein daily (P<0.01) compared with the C and E pigs (140 vs 132 and 132 g). Daily fat deposition was the lowest (P<0.05) in the P and the highest in the E pigs. The P and E pigs deposited more protein daily in the entrails than the C animals (23 and 22 vs 20 g, respectively; P<0.05). The P pigs tended to deposit more, but the E pigs less protein in the carcass daily as compared with the C pigs (117,110 and 112 g, respectively; P<0.07). It seems that a different compensatory response of pigs previously underfed for protein or feed intake results from the different physiological state of their bodies at the end of restriction. A compensatory response was directed to that part of the body (body component) whose growth had been reduced the most during previous restriction