s:1358:"%T Herd dynamics and productivity performance modeling of livestock in smallholder crop-livestock systems in Southwestern Ethiopia %A Amejo, A.G. %A Gebere, Y.M. %A Dickoefer, U. %A Kassa, H. %A Tana, T. %A Lawrence, P. %X This study aimed to examine herd dynamics relatively in wider array in two different administrative zones to model scope of improving productivity performance of ruminant livestock by management optimization using existing modeling tools. In implication, herd demographic parameters gathered at household level has modeled by management optimization in existing PRY herd modeling tools for ruminant livestock productivity assessment. The differences observed in both descriptive analysis and the model prediction in the study could be of the demographic, reproductive, productive or sizable combined effect of these factors that resulted in livestock phenotypical value and household income. Intensified feeding strategies from existing sources, improvement through rearing and herd management viewed to make potential improvement in livestock production and could re-integrate the strategies of the livelihood in smallholder mixed system. Where variability assessment in herd demographic parameters could an opportunity suit livestock intensification interest to support the sustainable development of the rural poor. ";