"When we restore a database from production to a development environment, we get some erros."

>> what type of errors? does the database has replication turned on in production when you take backup? if yes, do you restore with "keep replication" option while restoring in dev?

"Still would like to know why the development server does not have this system table in master to begin with."

>> this table should be there in every master database irrespective of whether you have replication turned on or not.

I am not sure why the table is not there on the server unless there are any service pack/hotfix installations which did not complete cleanly.

Is your issue solved now or you still need active help?