This study was conducted to investigate the forage characteristics of very early-maturing Italian ryegrass (IRG) three cultivars within September, 2021 to July, 2022 in Cheonan, Korea. We used three different cultivars of Italian ryegrass in this study “Greenfarm” “Greenfarm2ho” and “Greenfarm3ho” The results of heading date in this study, “Greenfarm” was recorded 3 days earlier than the other two cultivars, and its lodge tolerance score was the highest among the three. However, in case of plant length, there was no significantly difference in whole cultivars, in addition disease resistance, insect resistance and cold tolerance were not significantly different in three cultivars. The forage productivity of “Greenfarm2ho” was recorded the highest, especially the 1st harvesting of “Greenfarm2ho” yielded significantly the highest and superior to other varieties. As a result of feed value analysis, three cultivars were generally superior to overseas varieties and in particular, “Greenfarm2ho” was recorded to have excellent value because of the lowest NDF and ADF content. On the other hand, there was no significant difference in crude protein content among three varieties. In case of the monosaccharides content "Greenfarm3ho” had significantly higher glucose content than other two varieties, therefore the “Greenfarm” has advantage for preparing high quality of silage. In contrast, there was no significant difference among three varieties in fructose content.

ABSTRACT
Ⅰ. INTRODUCTION
Ⅱ. MATERIALS AND METHODS
    1. Fertilizer Level and Seeding Rate
    2. Investigation of Growth Characteristics
    3. Investigation of Yield
    4. Investigation of Feed Value and Sugar Content
    5. Statistical analysis
Ⅲ. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
    1. Meteorological Characteristics
    2. Growth Characteristics
    3. Forage productivity
    4. Feed Value
    5. Sugar Content
Ⅳ. CONCLUSION
Ⅴ. ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Ⅵ. REFERENCES

• Ki-Won Lee(Grassland & Forages Division, National Institute of Animal Science, RDA) Corresponding author
• Eun A Lim(Grassland & Forages Division, National Institute of Animal Science, RDA)
• Bo Ram Choi(Grassland & Forages Division, National Institute of Animal Science, RDA)
• Sang-Hoon Lee(Grassland & Forages Division, National Institute of Animal Science, RDA)
• Jae Hoon Woo(Grassland & Forages Division, National Institute of Animal Science, RDA)
• Yowook Song(Grassland & Forages Division, National Institute of Animal Science, RDA)