‘The non-digestible oligosaccharide “DFAIII” is effective in preventing hypocalcemia in dairy cows and increasing immunoglobulin absorption in colostrum by calves.

Production method of DFAⅢ

‘DFA III is made from the water-soluble fiber “inulin”, which is abundantly contained in the roots of chicory and burdock roots. DFA III is a substance in which two molecules of fructose are combined by enzymatic treatment, and its formal name is Difructose Anhydride III. The DFA III used in our products is manufactured at our factory in Hokkaido, Japan.

DFAIII is not digested in rumens.

‘Since cows are ruminants, most of the oligosaccharides ingested by them are broken down in the rumen. On the other hand, DFA III is less susceptible to decomposition by microorganisms in the rumen than other oligosaccharides.
The figure shows the decomposability of oligosaccharides in cultured rumen fluid.

Enhanced absorption of calcium

‘DFA III has the effect of promoting Ca absorption from the intestinal tract.
Minerals are absorbed in the intestinal epithelial cells of the duodenum and small intestine or through intercellular spaces.
DFA III acts on the “tight junctions” that connect cells to widen the pathway of Ca.

Feeding pre-calving dairy cows

In a study in which 40 g/day of DFA was fed from the late dry period to 7 days after parturition, the recovery of blood Ca concentration immediately after parturition was accelerated in the group fed with DFA III.
In another trial, it reduced the incidence of perinatal illness.

Enhanced absorption of immunoglobulin in colostrum

‘Newborn calves acquire immunoglobulin for the first time by drinking colostrum from the mother cow. Immunoglobulins are antibodies that fight pathogens.
Sufficient absorption of IgG can be judged from serum IgG, and if it is less than 10mg/ml, the survival rate will decrease.
As shown in the figure, DFA III has the effect of increasing the absorption rate of IgG from the intestinal tract by feeding it together with colostrum.

Inhibition of mold toxin absorption

DFA III inhibits the absorption of two mycotoxins, zearalenone and sterigmatocystin.

Efficacy for human

It has also been reported to promote the absorption of calcium and iron in humans.