Dr. Kenneth Stalder, Professor of Animal Science at Iowa State University, is the newest member of the Feet First team, Zinpro Corporation announced.

Stalder joins a select group of international researchers, veterinarians and nutritionists who are part of the effort to further advance the swine industry through the identification and prevention of lameness. The Feet First initiative was launched three years ago and is sponsored by Zinpro.

''Dr. Stalder's experience in both private business and public university settings makes him a welcome and valuable addition to the Feet First team,'' said Bill Scrimgeour, President of Zinpro.

Stalder joins other Feet First Team members from Australia, Switzerland, Netherlands, and North America in this international effort to understand and reduce lameness in swine.

Stalder earned his M.S. in Agriculture from Western Kentucky University in 1992 and his Ph.D. in Animal Breeding and Genetics with a minor in Immunobiology from Iowa State University in 1995. Before returning to graduate school, he spent three years in the feed industry with a large cooperative in Northeast Iowa.

He is a member of several swine committees at the National Pork Board (US) and was awarded the Young Animal Scientist - Extension award from the Midwest section of the American Society of Animal Science in 2005. Much of his research and extension programmes have focused on longevity and feet and leg soundness in swine.

Zinpro provides trace mineral nutrition for livestock and poultry, and delivers the products and educational tools needed to help customers improve the performance and profitability of their operation.