ABSTRACT

 Two (2) experiments were carried out to evaluate the performance and economic efficiency of substituting maize with either Hausa potato (So/enostenion rotundifoliux) or Riz^a {Plectranthms Qsculentus') in broiler diets. Each experiment lasted 5 weeks. In experiment 1, 60 broiler birds were randomly allocated to 3 dietary treatments in a complete randomized design after they were brooded together for 3 weeks. The same was obtained in experiment 2, maize was substituted for Rizga at 50% and 100% in experiment 2 while maize was substituted for Hausa potato at the same levels in experiment 1. The result showed that feed intake (g) (1344.00 D|, 1946.667 D2, 1795.833 D3) weight gain (g)( 1.588 D(, 14529 D2, 0.8087 D3), feed cost/body weight gain (N)(40.2967 Di. 60.1700 D2, 94.9033 D3), feed cost /kg body weight gain (£4)(25.5067 D|. 41.9700 D2. 125.9300 D3) and the total revenue (N)(953.00 D|, 871.600 D2. 485.200 D3) were significantly influenced (P<0.05) in Trial 1. The same parameters were considered in the second trial out showed no significant difference (P>0.05). As the replacement of maize with Hausa potato increased from Di to D3, average body weight gain decreased from 1.5883g to 0.8087g while the total revenue (N) was also depressed accordingly. Substitution of maize for Rizga at 50% and 100% numerically depressed mean weight gain from 1.1195kg (D|) to 0.8890kg (D3) while total revenue realized reduced from N671.7 to N533.40 in D, to D3. In conclusion, maize was found to be cheaper (N) and superior in nutrient supply than Rizga and Hausa potato. Nonetheless, more research should be geared towards the evaluation of neglected root/ tuber crops.