Abstract: Animal-activated feeding systems and methods. The systems include a self-sealing valve assembly that, responsive to activation of a feed-flow activation member by an animal, selectively delivers a flow of the liquid feed to a vessel for consumption by the animal. The valve body further includes a valve member, which is configured to selectively obstruct the feed flow path, and a feed-flow activation member coupled to the valve member. The feed-flow activation member and valve member are selectively positionable between at least a sealed position and a range of activated positions. The valve assembly may include a buoyant activation restriction member adapted to restrict at least further or subsequent activation of the valve assembly responsive to the level of liquid feed in the vessel. The valve assembly may be configured to dispense the feed in a confined stream and/or in a generally horizontal or lateral direction into the vessel.

Abstract: A valve system for accepting fluid from a source supply at an upper end thereof, and ejecting it into a liquid container located below the valve system, including a fluid ejection limiting float element control located at the lower end of the valve system, to limit the amount of fluid which can be ejected.

Abstract: A system for accepting fluid from a source supply, then ejecting it along a substantially non-radial laterally oriented locus such that the fluid enters a cup with a mixing effect but with only minimal splashing, typically including a restriction element frame which substantially bisects the cup serves to control access thereto and a float based automatic flow restricting element; and methodology for its use in the liquid feeding of animals such as piglets.