It's mouth-watering. Did you know that the supplements which go into animal feed come in a range of exciting flavours? Cows like the taste of molasses - and strawberries. Honestly, we asked a biotechnologist. "It's amazing," says Maria Walsh, who is quality assurance manager at Alltech in Dunboyne, Co Meath.

A supplement for pig feed will taste of truffles or caramel, she continues. Horses get supplements tasting of apples. Dogs will get pellets that are beef or liver flavoured. Budding biotechnologists need not be alarmed, however. Walsh doesn't have to taste the products herself, she assures us. "It's all done by scientific, technical methods." That's a relief.

Colour retention and a characteristic smell are two of the main ways of judging the standardised consistency of a particular supplement flavour. It's another aspect of the job, she explains.

In a white coat, examining concoctions, using bacteria and yeast, incubator ovens, petri dishes and pipettes, Walsh handles enzyme assays and biochemical assays with the assurance of someone who could find her way blindfold around any lab. This is the career she has wanted all along.

At school she dreamed of finding a career in an industry which would have a scientific emphasis. "I just liked biology as a subject at school," she explains. "It would have been my favourite subject. I have a logical type of mind. I always liked to find out how things worked, particularly when you do biology - you're getting into the human body."

She also did physics at secondlevel at Cnoc na Labhras in Limerick city. After the Leaving Cert, she choose the four-year BSc in biotechnology course in UCG.

"It's a specific course. About 20 people were taken into it. The fact that it was a small number meant that you were looked after."

In first year, they studied science subjects and a biotechnology programme. She mentions some modules such as industrial relations and industrial management as being particularly interesting. The group was introduced to the newer aspects of the industry at an early stage, and this was one of the most exciting and inspiring aspects of the course, recalls Walsh. "We covered the most up-to-date theories and methods, the innovative methods."

In third year she did marketing and financial accounting. "I didn't have an interest in those areas, but now when I look back I feel they gave me an insight. You have a bit more of a clue of what's going on around you." The language (French/German) option has also proved useful, she adds.

In second year they studied microbiology, biochemistry, chemistry and more aspects of the biotechnology programme. In third year came pharmacology, toxicology, microbiology and chemistry. "We did a placement in the summer of third year," she says. "I went to Lexington in Kentucky. There were 11 of us who went - the rest were on placements in places like Germany, England. I worked with the quality assurance technicians."

Walsh worked on a number of research projects when she was in the United States. A large part of fourth year, as well as on-going lectures, was taken up with research and writing those up.

Her work at Alltech involves making supplements for animal feed. The company has 68 centres around the world. This week Walsh is visiting Alltech's plant in Lexington, Kentucky. "It's interesting to get out and make comparisons. It keeps the corporate flow going."

As quality assurance manager at Alltech, Walsh works in the lab. "I started as quality assurance technician. We were based in Tallaght. We moved out here last summer."

Working with two quality assurance technicians, she is now based in a new 25,000-square foot plant in Dunboyne which also accommodates the company's new marketing and research centres.

"We would inspect and test the finished product which is produced on site. I'd be involved in the administration of the quality system. We're also implementing the ISO 9002 standard - I'd be involved in the administration of that."

Walsh would also be involved in handling any customer complaints that arise with product.

"It's very much a hands-on job. I deal a lot with people which is the aspect of the job that I most like."

Looking back at her college days in Galway, she says the course gave her a bit more background which helped to put her straight into industry. "You were brought up to date with modern technology. You had projects to do that would get you reading about what was going on."

There was also a lot of computer work. She recalls the interest of Dr Pat Morgan who "dedicated a lot of time to the students. We got great support out of it. Even still I'm in contact with Pat Morgan."

Walsh mentions one class colleague who has gone on to do a Ph D in equine research, while others have gone down "completely different roads." As a career, biotechnology offers great variety. "There are so many options open to you."