Brief Introduction
DFAⅢ (Difructose Anhydride III) is a non-digestible functional oligosaccharide derived from inulin.It is resistant to digestive enzymes and acts on the intestinal epithelium, where it indirectly supports the absorption of immunoglobulins and minerals.DFAⅢ is a proprietary functional ingredient developed by our company and has been extensively researched and used in the livestock industry, particularly in cattle, for many years.
Value of DFAⅢ Based on Cattle Research
Accumulated research in cattle clearly demonstrates that DFAⅢ offers the following advantages:
• Supports nutrient absorption by utilizing the body’s natural physiological mechanisms rather than pharmacological action
• Provides benefits across multiple life stages, from newborn calves to adult dairy cows
• Enables health management strategies that do not rely on antibiotics
These characteristics form a strong scientific foundation for considering applications in other animal species.
Why Choose DFAⅢ
• Functional oligosaccharide derived from plant-based inulin
• Enzymatically produced for consistent quality
• Scientifically validated in cattle through extensive research
• Supports immune and mineral absorption via intestinal function
• Based on a mechanism conserved across species
DFAⅢ is a reliable functional ingredient developed on the basis of proven livestock science.
DFA III Overview
DFAⅢ is an enzymatically produced functional disaccharide derived from plant-based inulin.
Inulin, a water-soluble dietary fiber abundantly found in plant roots such as chicory, serves as the raw material. Through a specific enzymatic process, two fructose molecules are linked to form Difructose Anhydride III (DFAⅢ). The DFAⅢ used in our products is manufactured at our own production facility in Hokkaido, Japan, ensuring consistent quality and reliability.
Material Properties
1.Appearance
DFA III is a white crystalline powder.
2.Solubility
DFA III is highly soluble in water, comparable to sucrose.
3.Thermal Stability
DFA III retains almost 100% of its content even after heat treatment at 100°C for 30 minutes under acidic conditions (pH 2–6), demonstrating excellent thermal stability.
4.Storage Stability
DFA III remains almost 100% intact after storage for three months at pH 3 and 37°C, indicating outstanding stability during storage under acidic conditions.
5.Hygroscopicity
DFA III shows lower hygroscopicity than sucrose.
Manufacturing & Quality Assurance
DFA III is produced under an FSSC 22000–certified food safety management system, reflecting our commitment to strict quality control and global food safety standards, and our company is currently the only manufacturer that has successfully commercialized DFA III.
Rumen Stability
Stability in the Rumen
Cattle are ruminants, and most oligosaccharides are typically decomposed by microorganisms in the rumen. However, DFAⅢ is less susceptible to microbial degradation in the rumen compared to other oligosaccharides, allowing it to reach the intestinal tract more effectively and exert its functional effects.
Mechanism of Action
Scientifically Confirmed Mechanism of Action
DFAⅢ acts on tight junctions between intestinal epithelial cells, which play a key role in regulating intestinal permeability.
Through this action, DFAⅢ:
• Modulates intestinal barrier function
• Enhances paracellular transport of nutrients and macromolecules
This physiological mechanism is conserved across animal species and forms the scientific basis for applications developed from cattle research.
Calcium Absorption
Enhanced Calcium Absorption
DFAⅢ has been shown to promote calcium (Ca) absorption from the intestinal tract.
Calcium is absorbed either through intestinal epithelial cells or via intercellular pathways.
DFAⅢ widens the paracellular pathway by acting on tight junctions, thereby enhancing calcium uptake.
Evidence in Dairy Cattle
• Feeding 40 g/day of DFAⅢ from the late dry period to 7 days post-calving accelerated recovery of blood calcium levels immediately after parturition
• Reduced incidence of perinatal disorders associated with hypocalcemia
These results demonstrate DFAⅢ’s contribution to improved calcium metabolism during critical physiological stages.
Immunoglobulin Uptake
Enhanced absorption of immunoglobulin in colostrum
Newborn calves acquire immunoglobulins for the first time by ingesting colostrum from the dam. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is essential for immune defense, and insufficient absorption (serum IgG < 10 mg/mL) is associated with reduced survival rates. Studies have shown that:
• DFAⅢ increases the intestinal absorption efficiency of IgG when administered together with colostrum
• Serum IgG concentrations are significantly elevated
• Disease incidence during the early pre-weaning period is reduced
These findings indicate that DFAⅢ supports stable immune acquisition and a healthy start for newborn calves.
Beyond Livestock Evidence
Evidence Beyond Livestock
In human studies, DFAⅢ has been reported to promote the absorption of minerals such as calcium and iron, further supporting the universality of its mechanism of action.
