One of the most challenges in production of Pacific white shrimp Penaeus vannamei today is the prevalence of diseases that pose a significant threat to the productivity and profitability of production on a global scale. These diseases, including Viral diseases (such as White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV), Infectious Myonecrosis Virus (IMNV), and others), bacterial diseases (Vibriois and Necrotizing Hepatopancreatitis (NHP), fungal diseases, and parasitic diseases, are not to be underestimated. They are a direct result of Vannamei's reliance on an innate immune system without adaptive immunity, making them a formidable challenge.

Given the aforementioned challenges, it is crucial to implement a proactive strategy to bolster the innate immune system in shrimp, ensuring it is always ready to fend off pathogen attacks. One such strategy is the use of functional feed, a type of formulated feed that designed not only to meet the basic nutritional needs of the animal but also to provide additional health benefits. These feeds, enriched with bioactive compounds, additives, or nutraceuticals, play a pivotal role in enhancing immune function, promoting gut health, and improving product quality. In this SEC event, we will delve into the details of Common Functional Feed Additives for developing functional feed and their profound impact on shrimp health, offering a beacon of hope in the battle against diseases.

Speaker Bio

Dr. Romi Novriadi

Dr. Romi Novriadi is the associate professor at the Jakarta Technical University of Fisheries or known as Politeknik Ahli Usaha Perikanan, Agency for Marine Affairs and Fisheries Research and Development, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Republic of Indonesia. He has published more than 35 peer review research articles in the area of his expertise which include Aquaculture nutrition, shrimp and fish farming, functional feed, immunology, aquaculture technology and diseases management. In addition, his PhD’s Dissertation focus on ‘Evaluation of Advanced Soy Products in Diets Fed to Florida Pompano’ and master’s thesis on ‘A toolbox for Immune Parameters of Artemia’ provides beneficial information to the aquaculture industry. Dr. Romi was awarded two scholarships, the VLIR-UOS scholarship to pursue his Master of Science in Aquaculture at Ghent University – Belgium and the Fulbright scholarship to pursue his Ph. D in Fisheries and Allied Aquaculture at the Auburn University, Alabama, USA. Currently, Dr. Romi focus on the development of intensive shrimp farming system and economical aqua-feed, evaluation of nutritional requirements for shrimp and fish as well as facilitate the evaluation of novel ingredients and feed supplemental properties to enhance the growth and health status of aquatic organisms. Dr. Romi also act as a promoter to link the research institutes with industry to review the feed formulations and manufacturing process, aquaculture management practices, and identify relevant research to enhance the aquaculture productivity and efficiency.