Impact of intestinal components on muscle quality deterioration in red shrimp (Solenocera crassicornis) during cold storage

Shrimp intestine has great effect on the muscle quality during long term storage. This study examined the effects of shrimp intestine on the muscle quality of red shrimp ( Solenocera crassicornis ) during cold storage. Removing the intestine significantly reduced TVC, TVB-N, and TCA-induced protein precipitation levels, mitigating muscle quality deterioration. Proteomic analysis revealed that intestinal proteins (7.6–621.4 kDa) and muscle proteins (1.8–1328.3 kDa) influenced muscle protein metabolism via structural proteins and metabolic enzymes. Peptidomic analysis identified 519 differential peptides (261 upregulated, 258 downregulated) in TS6 vs. CS6 after six days of storage, linked to proteolysis and microbial infection pathways. Additionally, Vibrio and Aliivibrio genera in the intestine increased significantly during storage, with Vibrio abundance accelerating muscle protein degradation. These findings provide insights into improving cold storage techniques and spoilage prevention for aquatic products.