Àlex Bach

Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries

Life & Medical Sciences

Àlex holds a Master and a PhD in Dairy Science from the University of Minnesota. After a few years working as a research manager of a multinational company, Dr. Bach returned to academia as ICREA Research Professor and Head of the Department of Ruminant Production of IRTA. He has received several awards in recognition to his research activities (the last one this year from the 'Royal Academy of Veterinary Sciences of Spain), has spoken at more than 130 international congresses, is author or co-author of more than 135 peer-reviewed publications, more than 90 extension articles, and more than 20 books (or book chapters). He has served as a scientific expert in several committees of the European Food Safety Authority. He is section editor and sits in the editorial boards of several scientific journals, and is member of various scientific committees.


Research interests

Àlex Bach conducts research in ruminant production systems. His research focuses on optimizing the growth curve of dairy replacement heifers, as well as their management and housing systems (group size, behavior, stocking densities…). He also uses mathematical models to simulate work flows of ruminant production systems with the aim of helping the decision-making process in dairy enterprises. In addition, Àlex conducts basic research to understand the physiology and metabolism of ruminants with especial emphasis on the impact of nutrition and management during early development on future metabolic function.

Selected publications

Bach A, Guasch I, Elcoso G, Chaucheyras-Durand F, Castex M, Fabregas F, Garcia-Fruitos E & Aris A 2018, ‘Changes in gene expression in the rumen and colon epithelia during the dry period through lactation of dairy cows and effects of live yeast supplementation’, J. Dairy Sci., 101, 3, 2631 – 2640.

Bach A, Guasch I, Elcoso G, Duclos J & Khelil-Arfa H 2018, ‘Modulation of rumen pH by sodium bicarbonate and a blend of different sources of magnesium oxide in lactating dairy cows submitted to a concentrate challenge’, J. Dairy Sci., 101, 11, 9777 – 9788.

– Genis S, Cerri RLA, Bach A, Silper BF, Baylao M, Denis-Robichaud J & Aris A 2018, ‘Pre-calving Intravaginal Administration of Lactic Acid Bacteria Reduces Metritis Prevalence and Regulates Blood Neutrophil Gene Expression After Calving in Dairy Cattle’, Frontiers In Veterinary Science, 5, 135.

– Maynou G, Elcoso G, Bubeck J & Bach A 2018, ‘Effects of oral administration of acidogenic boluses at dry-off on performance and behavior of dairy cattle’, J. Dairy Sci., 101:11342- 11353.

– Berends H, Vidal M, Terré M, Martin-Tereso J, Leal L & Bach A 2018, ‘Effects of fat inclusion in starter feeds for dairy calves by mixing increasing levels of a high-fat extruded pellet with a conventional highly-fermentable pellet’, J. Dairy Sci., 101:10962-10972.