A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Metekel zone, Benishangul Gumuz National Regional State,
Northwest of Ethiopia to assess livestock production system, productive and reproductive performance
of cattle and identify constraints to livestock. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select
160 farming households and administer a pre-tested and structured questionnaire. The study showed
that mixed crop-livestock production system was the dominant farming system in the study area. The
average landholding per household was 2.12±0.15 ha. The average livestock holding per household was
13.99±1.08 cattle, 11.37±1.37 goats, 6.14±1.06 sheep, 1.13±0.09 mule, 1.50±0.14 donkey, and 8.45±0.54
chickens, respectively. The major feed resources were natural pasture, crop residue, conserved hay
from natural pasture, stubble grazing, and non-conventional feeds. The average milk productions per
cow per day during wet and dry seasons were 1.78±0.97 and 0.88±0.56 liters, respectively. Average age
at first calving, calving interval and lactation length were reported to be 46.06±13.99, 23.38±13.95 and
9.81±3.91 months, respectively. Respondents revealed feed shortage, disease prevalence mainly bovine
trypanosomiasis, lack of capital, water and labor scarcity as major livestock constraints in that order of
importance. Thus, intervention options should aim to alleviate the prevailing constraints to smallholder
livestock production in the area.