The effects of supplementing diets with sulfate or glycinate Cu, Zn, and Mn on blood neutrophil function were examined in 27 late-lactation Holstein cows having a mean (± standard deviation) days in milk at time of neutrophil assays of 216 ± 31 d. Cows were assigned to 9 blocks of 3 and were grouped by parity, milk production, and days in milk. Cows within each block were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: (1) control diet devoid of supplemental Cu, Zn, and Mn; (2) diet supplemented with Cu, Zn, and Mn via sulfates; and (3) diet supplemented with Cu, Zn, and Mn via glycinate form. All cows were initially fed a control total mixed ration with basal mineral concentrations of 8 mg/kg of Cu, 35 mg/kg of Zn, and 35 mg/kg of Mn for 30 d. During the treatment period, cows fed diets with mineral supplementation via sulfates or glycinate forms had target total dry matter dietary concentrations of 18 mg/kg of Cu, 60 mg/kg of Zn, and 60 mg/kg of Mn for 30 d. Control cows were fed the control diet devoid of supplemental minerals for an additional 30 d. In vitro neutrophil functions were measured after 30 d on experimental or control diets. Percentage of neutrophils phagocytizing, intracellular kill, and phagocytic index did not differ among treatments. Serum concentrations of Cu, Zn, and Mn were also not affected by dietary treatment after 30 d. Results from this study demonstrated that dietary Cu, Zn, and Mn supplemented either as sulfates or glycinate form for 30 d had no effect on either in vitro blood neutrophil function or serum concentrations of Cu, Zn, and Mn in late-lactation Holstein cows.

Nanotechnology is an "emerging industry" and becomes more widely used. As a result human exposure to nanoparticles is inevitable. Exposure to nanoparticles can affect the upper aerodigestive tract, before particles reach lung, stomach and intestine. The effects of this passage depend on particle size, particle concentration, the kind of the particle and the duration of contact. Only few in-vitro-investigations about effects of the exposition of nanoparticles on the mucous cells of oral cavity, nose and nasal sinuses exist. In-vitro-analysis with cells of nasal mucous membrane exposed to nanoparticles showed a release of mediators involved in inflammation and allergy development. Cytotoxic and genotoxic effects could be found for several nanoparticles (e.g. carbon nanotubes) in vitro. Due to different size, structure, chemical and physical properties nanoparticles can not be summarized in a homogenous group; quite the contrary risk evaluation of nanoparticles must be carried out case-related. Today toxicological risks can not be evaluated sufficiently. Biological interactions and tissue permeability of manufactured nanoparticles is a major issue for further investigations. In this report the use and health effects of nanoparticles are overviewed.

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