How much bacteria can exist on raw beef

     During our microbiology class, my lab partner and I are investigating how much bacteria is present in raw meat before being cooked.  At first, we thought our experiment would yield a bit of bacteria because it is present, but after we placed our bacteria on an agar plate to further grow.  To our surprise it grew a substantial amount.  From that strain we did a subcultural and from that strain we did a gram stain.  However, what we saw was something that we were not expecting.  From our strain we found Gram + and Gram -,  but this was inconclusive.  In conclusion, we did another sample and from there we will try to distinguish what bacteria is present.