Indonesia

Using a combination of the most advanced genomic methods and conventional genetics, our program aims to identify the individuals that are genetically faster growing and more resistant to disease. These individuals are used as parents in each new generation to improve the nucleus population and broodstock which better meet the needs and expectations of our customers.

Our selective breeding program is the world’s most scientifically documented genetic improvement program for P. Vannamei shrimp, with an emphasis on developing populations of breeders with high level of resistance to certain of the major diseases affecting the shrimp industry worldwide, such as WSSV and AHPND.

Our stocks have a broad genetic base originating from multiple geographical sources, wild and domesticated, to which we refer to as ‘The Gene Supermarket’.

This genetic base, sourced from breeders in Colombia, Hawaii, and Venezuela, and from the wild populations in Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Panamá, and Peru amongst others, increases the diversity of and provides our team of geneticists with multiple options and a wider range of selection for breeding.

There are important interactions between Genetics and Environment. The best animals for one environment – or management practices – are not necessarily the best for another.

Through continuous collaborative work with our partners and clients to develop and deliver lines with the best adaptability to their environmental conditions, we produce specialized lines specially adapted to thrive in specific environments, like low salinity, and balanced lines which combine the best of improved growth with robustness and disease resistance.

As the core of the breeding program, biosecurity is the main priority in all our operations. Our strains are SPF certified by the University of Arizona (UAZ); health surveillance status conducted with chain of custody of a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) accredited veterinarian.
All our strains are SPR for TSV, IHHNV, NHP, and our BMK_Protect strain is also resistant to WSSV and AHPND. Aligned with Benchmark’s to animal welfare, none of the facilities we operate use eyestalk ablation.

Our sites in the Americas are safely isolated from other aquaculture productions, have only one biosecure entrance and their perimeters are securely fenced. Entrance is restricted, and rigorous sanitary routines are carried out daily in order to keep and ensure our strict levels of biosecurity.