An analytical procedure for the hydroxy analog of methionine, DL-a-hydroxy-7-methylmercaptobutyric acid, is required for the control of this supplement in commercial poultry feeds. In the method described, the analog is extracted from the feed with dilute HCI, and the clarified extract is assayed microbiologically with Lactobacillus arabinosis. The small amounts of the analog present in commercial feeds (0.05 to 0.10%) have been successfully determined.