Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of difructose anhydride III (NITTEN DFA III) for female bovines, ovines, caprines in the periparturient period and neonates fed colostrum and milk/milk replacer in early life (Nippon Beet Sugar Manufacturing Co., Ltd)

Abstract Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of difructose anhydride III as a zootechnical feed additive (functional group: physiological condition stabilisers) for neonatal and female adult bovines, caprines and ovines. Based on tolerance studies in calves and periparturient cows, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed concluded that the additive is considered safe for the target species within the scope of application. The use of difructose anhydride III in animal nutrition is not of concern for consumer or environmental safety under the proposed conditions of use. The additive is not an eye or skin irritant. Due to the lack of data, the Panel could not conclude on the dermal sensitisation of the additive. The Panel concluded that the additive has the potential to act as a zootechnical additive to increase the serum concentration of IgG in calves when supplemented at 54 g/calf (colostrum) on day 1 and 36 g/calf (milk replacer) from days 2 to 7, and in other neonatal bovines, caprines and ovines when used up to 7 days at similar levels. The Panel noted that these levels exceed those specified in the conditions of use and are not supported by the safety data. No conclusion could be reached on the efficacy of the additive on the serum Ca and Mg concentration or milk production when used in feed for adult female bovines, caprines and ovines.