Integrative analysis identifies the quality advantage and corresponding regulatory mechanism of paddy field-cultured crayfish (Procambarus clarkii).

Procambarus clarkii is the dominant economic variety of crayfish in China, and paddy field shrimp cultivation is an organic mode of traditional rice-fish cultivation, with paddy field shrimp being the country's prevailing aquatic product. However, little has been reported on the differences in meat quality and digestive ability between paddy field and pond fish. In this study, the muscle composition and digestive function regulation of P. clarkii in ponds and paddies were studied to explore the influence of paddy field culture on P. clarkii quality. The results showed that the muscle composition of paddy field shrimp was significantly changed, with increased protein and decreased lipid levels. Through the study of the hepatopancreas and intestinal microbial diversity of P. clarkii, we hypothesized that rice farming may cause changes in its bacterial spectrum, stimulate the digestive functions of its intestines and hepatopancreas, cause differential expression of multi-substance metabolic pathways, and ultimately result in the substances' deposition in its muscles. This study revealed the impact of rice cultivation on P. clarkii from the perspective of meta-metabolism, and it demonstrated the advantages of paddy field shrimp cultivation.Key points• We explored the influence of paddy field culture on P. clarkii quality.• Muscle composition of paddy field shrimp was significantly changed, with increased protein and decreased lipid levels in paddy field.• Rice farming caused changes in its bacterial spectrum and stimulated the digestive functions of hepatopancreas.