Linking the Dynmod herd dynamics model with the Sector model within a partial equilibrium framework

The purpose of this report is to outline the methodology employed in linking the Dynmod herd growth model (Lesnoff, 2008) converted into GAMS modeling language to a multi-market partial equilibrium model (SectorM) (Bahta et al., 2021) with a specific focus on bovine meat production. The report aims to provide insights into the linkage process and its technical implementation.

The structure of the report is organized as follows. It begins with a concise literature review discussing various approaches to model linkages. Subsequently, the report delves into a comparative analysis of the Dynmod and SectorM models, highlighting their respective similarities and differences. This comparative assessment serves as a foundation for identifying key linkage points between the two models.

Following this, the report proceeds to elucidate the rationale behind the model linkage and the technical details involved in its implementation. The discussion then centers on the specific model that facilitates the linkage between Dynmod and SectorM. A test simulation, employing both the linked and standalone models, is presented in Section 7 to demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed linkage.

The concluding section provides a brief overview of the practical application of the model linkage. Additionally, alongside this report, the developed model that establishes the link between Dynmod and SectorM, as well as the modified versions of Dynmod and SectorM, are included for reference.

The comprehensive nature of this report aims to offer both conceptual and practical insights into the process of linking these two models, thereby contributing to a better understanding of the integrated modeling approach for bovine meat production.