Meat refers to the edible flesh of animals. It is composed primarily of water, protein, and fat. There are two main types - red meat, which includes beef, lamb, and pork, and gets its color from myoglobin, and white meat, which includes poultry and fish. Beef comes from cattle and the major cuts include the chuck, ribs, sirloin, round, and shanks. Cooking meat causes changes in color, texture, and moisture content as the proteins coagulate and fat renders out. Factors like animal species, age, diet, and degree of doneness influence the flavor of cooked meats.