Disease remains one of the biggest threats in shrimp farming across Indonesia. Once an outbreak occurs, losses can reach hundreds of millions of rupiah within just a few weeks. At the same time, the typical shrimp farming in Indonesia, which is dominated by open ponds, creates highly dynamic conditions, both biologically and environmentally. This demands farmers to stay vigilant, as even small fluctuations in water quality or shrimp health can determine whether a crop reaches its target or ends in premature harvest due to mortality.
This is where the role of laboratories becomes increasingly crucial. A laboratory is not just a place to test water samples or diagnose diseases, it also serves as a data center that helps farmers make more precise and informed decisions.
One of the keys to successful shrimp farming is consistent monitoring. Water quality parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), salinity, and ammonia must be routinely checked. When these parameters start to fluctuate too widely, corrective actions need to be taken immediately. Without laboratory data, these changes often go unnoticed until shrimp show signs of stress, disease symptoms, or even mass mortality.
Beyond water monitoring, laboratories play an essential role in shrimp health assessment. PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) testing, for example, can detect pathogens such as AHPND, WSSV, and EHP in the early stages. With early detection, farmers can take prompt action—such as adding probiotics, immune-boosting feed additives, or other production inputs—to prevent outbreaks from escalating.
Laboratories also provide valuable historical data. When sampling results are consistently recorded and analyzed, trends in environmental conditions and shrimp health can be identified. For instance, recurring spikes in ammonia at a certain grow-out stage may indicate a need to review feeding or aeration management. With comprehensive data, decisions are no longer based on guesswork or intuition but grounded in real field data.
Looking ahead, the role of laboratories in shrimp farming will become even more strategic. Integrating laboratory results with digital systems and automated sensors can create real-time monitoring platforms that support faster decision-making. In this way, laboratories evolve from being mere support tools into an integral part of the farm’s production management system.
Shrimp farming is a science-based business that can—and should—be managed with precision. Every parameter, from water quality to shrimp health, must be handled using accurate data. Ultimately, a laboratory is not just a room filled with microscopes and testing equipment—it is the first line of defense protecting shrimp production from diseases and environmental uncertainties.
Utilizing External Laboratory Services
While having an on-site laboratory is ideal, not all farms have the resources to invest in one. Fortunately, there are many alternative services available. Today, several companies offer paid laboratory services for water quality and shrimp health testing. Although investing in PCR equipment can be prohibitively expensive, farmers can access PCR testing through providers such as PT Sakti Biru Indonesia (SBI). This allows them to obtain accurate diagnostic results without owning the equipment themselves.
In addition, many feed companies offer sampling services for their customers. These services typically include analysis in their internal laboratories or through mobile lab units that visit farms directly. Such support helps farmers maintain access to reliable, routine testing data without the high costs associated with owning full laboratory facilities.
