The present invention generally relates to various methods for promoting ovulation, parturition and lactation in female mammals. These benefits are obtained by administering to the mammals a composition containing a D.sub.2 receptor antagonist that does not substantially cross the blood brain barrier. In one embodiment, the D.sub.2 receptor antagonist is domperidone. The domperidone can be administered to the mammal either orally or subcutaneously and can be used to treat, for instance, anestrous mammals, mammals that have problems bearing offspring and mammals suffering from agalactia. Unexpectedly, it has also been discovered that the D.sub.2 receptor antagonist may also stimulate feed intake, causing the mammal to eat more and gain weight faster
