Effects of feeding level and sexual maturation on carcass and fillet characteristics and indices of protein degradation in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

► We examined indices of protein turnover during maturation in rainbow trout. ► Proteolysis-related gene expression increased in white muscle during mid to late-stage vitellogenesis. ► High levels of feed intake prevented muscle atrophy. ► Maturation-related signals may regulate muscle protein degradation during maturation.