Nitrogen fertilizer recommendations for triticale (X Triticosecale Wittmack) and soft red winter (SRW) wheat (Triticum aestivum L) in the southeastern USA are similar in spite of different end uses. Grain yield, protein, and amino acid composition of four triticale cultivars were evaluated over five N levels ranging from 30 to 150 Ib/acre in four Georgia environments. Nitrogen was topdressed as ammonium nitrate at peak tillering. Relative economic value of triticale for feed was calculated assuming total replacement of corn (Zea mays L) plus variable amounts of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] meal (SBM) in a standard swine diet formulated to 100% of National Research Council (NRC) lysine requirement at representative prices for corn and SBM. Significant grain yield responses to N occurred in three of the four environments. Grain yield was maximized with 90 or 120 lb N/acre depending on environment and cultivar. Yield component responses to N were increased tiller density, decreased seeds per head, and decreased seed weight. Quantity of all amino acids increased linearly with N indicating potential for enhancing nutritional value by increasing N to raise contents of limiting essential amino acids. The superior lysine content of triticale relative to corn resulted in a relative cash price for triticale, which averaged 6% higher than corn value (range 3% to 10%). Despite N-induced increases in lysine content and relative nutrional value of triticale for feed, marginal return per acre was maximized at N levels associated with maximum grain yield. Cultivars varied for all traits except tiller density. Maximum economic return per acre was obtained with improved cultivars Florico and Florida 201, which had higher yield potential and test weight, but lower lysine content, than cultivars Beagle 82 and Morrison. Based on our study using 1997 prices, current N recommendations for small grains of 60 to 120 lb N/acre depending on previous crop, are appropriate for triticale. At these N levels, cultivar selection is more important for increasing returns than additional inputs of N.