A survey (i) to study livestock production system, reproductive and productive performance traits of cattle and (ii) to recognize constraints to cattle production was conducted in selected districts of eastern Tigray zone. Six tabias (the smallest administrative unit consisting of several villages) were selected. Mixed crop-livestock farming system dominates the area. Overall herd size was 5.14±2.68. Cattle are reared for various functions. The main reasons mentioned for cattle keeping are draught power, milk production for home consumption, income, manure as fertilizer and crop threshing. Major feed resources were natural pasture, crop residue and cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica). Least squares mean (±SE) for age at first services (AFS), age at first calving (AFC), calving interval (CI), days open (DO), daily milk yield (DMY) and lactation length (LL) based on in-person survey was 28.26±3.85 months, 37.39±5.47 months, 15.53±4.10 months, 6.54±1.83 months, 1.72±0.43 liters and 7.42±1.99 months, respectively. Performance traits considered insignificantly (p>0.05) differed between districts. Major cattle production constraints were feed shortage, disease and parasites incidence, absence of AI services, water scarcity and poor veterinary services in order. Hence, the study showed the worth of taking into account the production environment during developing breed improvement programs and recommends fit management system.

Keywords: Indigenous cattle, reproductive performance, productive performance, husbandry practices