Sow Lameness: The Silent Productivity Killer | Dr. Lucas Rodrigues

About the Guest Originally from Brazil, Lucas received his DVM and Master’s degrees from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG, Brazil) and completed his doctoral degree at the Prairie Swine Centre and the University of Saskatchewan in Canada. Lucas joined Zinpro Corporation in 2022 as a discovery researcher for swine. His current role includes product development and support, directing and coordinating research studies and providing training for internal employees and external customers. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? How sow lameness quietly reduces herd productivity and longevity, often before visible signs appear. The connection between claw lesions and lost piglets—how one sow can lose nearly a pig per litter due to hoof pain and imbalance. Why gilt care, flooring, and proper trace mineral nutrition matter more than ever for healthy feet and lasting herd performance. How early prevention and better diagnostics can protect your herd’s bottom line and animal welfare. Lucas’s “Golden Nugget”