Drinking nipple and device for watering animals and method for its manufacture

Abstract

The invention relates to a drinking nipple for watering animals, comprising an adapter (11) designed for detachable connection to a liquid reservoir (10) and a liquid line (12) opening into a drinking opening (13) designed for liquid intake by an animal, wherein the adapter (11) and the liquid line (12) form a fluid-conducting interior (14) and is characterized in that at least in a partial section of the liquid line (12) a fluid-impermeable guiding element (16) designed for guiding gas bubbles (15) is fixedly arranged. The invention further relates to a device for watering animals comprising a liquid reservoir (10) with a drinking nipple having the aforementioned features. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the drinking nipple according to the invention.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a drinking nipple for watering animals, particularly small animals, comprising an adapter designed for detachable connection to a liquid reservoir and a liquid line opening into a drinking opening designed for the animal to draw liquid, wherein the adapter and the liquid line form a fluid-conducting interior. The invention further relates to a device for watering animals comprising a liquid reservoir with a drinking nipple. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a drinking nipple designed for watering animals.

[0002] Drinking nipples and devices of this type are used particularly in the keeping of small laboratory animals, such as mice and rats. These animals are usually kept in cages, whether for research purposes or as pets. Drinking bottles with the aforementioned drinking nipples, as described above, are used to ensure the animals' fluid supply.

[0003] These devices comprise a liquid reservoir, for example in the form of a water bottle, with a drinking nipple attached to this reservoir. The drinking nipple includes a fluid channel surrounding a fluid-conducting inner chamber through which the liquid is conveyed from the reservoir to the drinking opening, from which the animal can drink. The device is usually mounted upside down on the cage, so that the drinking nipple hangs downwards, while the liquid reservoir is positioned above it. Due to gravity, an increasing hydrostatic pressure develops inside the chamber towards the drinking opening. At the drinking opening, atmospheric pressure acts against this pressure. Because of the higher external air pressure compared to the hydrostatic pressure at the drinking opening, the liquid is prevented from leaking out as long as the drinking opening is not touched by the animal.

[0004] When an animal comes into contact with the drinking opening, a certain amount of liquid flows out of it, or is actively drawn in by the animal licking the opening. As a result, a negative pressure develops inside the reservoir over time, relative to the surrounding atmosphere. According to current understanding, the negative pressure created in the liquid reservoir during liquid intake causes an air bubble to form, which rises in the liquid line and equalizes the pressure within the reservoir. Such pressure equalization is always necessary to allow further liquid intake.

[0005] Contrary to the assumption that an air bubble forms in the fluid-filled tube as the animal drinks from the drinking opening, which then grows, detaches after a while, and rises to the top, thus equalizing the pressure, something else actually happens. It has been observed that this necessary pressure equalization does not occur reliably. Instead, it has been found that on the inside of the drinking opening, at the interface between the fluid and the outside atmosphere, the surface tension steadily increases during the animal's intake, until suddenly this boundary layer or interface is breached and air rushes into the drinking opening.

[0006] In this process, the air bubble occupies a significant portion of the space within the fluid-filled pipe, displacing the fluid across its entire cross-section. Such bubbles in pipes are known as Taylor bubbles. They are named after the British physicist Geoffrey Ingram Taylor. These bubbles form as gas bubbles within a fluid-filled pipe and always tend to fill the entire cross-section, completely displacing the fluid within that area.

[0007] This space-occupying effect of such a Taylor bubble prevents or at least makes it more difficult for fluid to flow downwards between the inner wall of the fluid conduit and the Taylor bubble.

[0008] However, the rising of the gas bubbles in the liquid tube is a mandatory prerequisite for ensuring that an animal can always draw liquid from the drinking opening.

[0009] A Taylor bladder that becomes "stuck" in the area of ​​the drinking opening effectively causes the drinking cap to fail, preventing the animal from drinking from that moment on. The upward movement of a Taylor bladder also depends on the simultaneous downward flow of fluid past the outer contact surface between the Taylor bladder and the inner wall of the fluid-conducting tube. However, since the Taylor bladder tends to fill the entire interior of the fluid-conducting tube, only a very small area remains between the inner wall of the capillary and the Taylor bladder through which the fluid can flow downwards.

[0010] The mechanism of the described Taylor blister formation thus poses a risk to animal welfare. A significant number of animals have been observed to be thirsty, dehydrated, or even dead. For example, in one facility with approximately 900 cages and 3,000 mice, an average of three to twelve cases of dehydration, death, or thirst were recorded per week. Entire groups of animals were affected, ruling out the possibility that the insufficient or nonexistent fluid supply is due to the drinking behavior of individual animals. Rather, there is reason to believe that this is a systemic problem with the drinking nipples or caps currently available on the market, and that a large number of animals are regularly receiving insufficient fluids, unnoticed by the animal caretakers.

[0011] It was observed that the fluid supply of experimental animals could regularly be compromised. This occurred particularly when the air pressure remained almost static for an extended period or increased steadily at a sufficient rate of change over a prolonged period (mostly in summer), presumably resulting in the formation of a trapped Taylor bladder behind the drinking opening. For the reasons described above, obtaining fluid by licking the drinking opening was then no longer possible.

[0012] An animal can only overcome such a "drying out" of a section of the fluid tube by either shaking the drinking nipple or, as has been observed in rats, by blowing air into the fluid tube with its nose, thereby expelling the Taylor bladder(s) and subsequently filling the fluid tube completely with fluid up to the drinking opening.

[0013] Methods such as shaking or blowing air into the drinking system are not feasible for most animals. Mice, in particular, are generally too small to exert such force. Furthermore, the drinking systems are often completely fixed to the cages. Only external intervention, such as a significant change in air pressure or intervention by animal caretakers, can release the blockage. Such intervention by animal caretakers would be time-consuming and expensive, and practically impossible given the large number of animals used in experiments.

[0014] Furthermore, the problem of the animals not receiving fluids appears to occur entirely randomly, as the initial position of the drinking system, under unfavorable air pressure conditions, determines the subsequent course of the scenario. This means that, either on its own or in combination with a slight or static change in air pressure and the fact that the drinking nipple may not have been used by the animal for an extended period, the drinking / dispensing opening subsequently extends a certain distance into the fluid line, both externally and internally.

[0015] If, as described, a Taylor blister has formed behind the drinking opening, extending far into the fluid passage, it is impossible for the animal to transport fluid forward to the drinking opening, and the drinking system has therefore failed. It is assumed that the various influencing factors, either individually or in combination, are the reason why the undersupply or lack of supply does not occur simultaneously in a larger group of drinking bottles, but rather sporadically and unpredictably.

[0016] Document WO 2019 / 068 861 A1 describes a drinking nipple for a liquid reservoir used in animal husbandry, particularly for small animals. Such a drinking nipple comprises a mounting section for attachment to a liquid reservoir, an interior chamber for receiving a quantity of liquid from the reservoir, and a dispensing opening for liquid intake by an animal. The special feature of the drinking nipple described in the document is that a capillary-active structure can be inserted into the dispensing opening. This capillary-active structure is designed to prevent a complete blockage of the drinking bottle and is fluid-permeable. This fluid permeability is achieved by preferably manufacturing the capillary-active structure from porous or fibrous materials. As a result, the liquid can only be drawn from the lower end of the structure via the fluid-permeable dispensing surface.

[0017] It is therefore an object of the present invention to propose a drinking nipple that ensures a reliable supply of fluids to animals at all times. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to propose a device with such a drinking nipple. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a method for manufacturing such drinking nipples.

[0018] The drinking nipple with the aforementioned features solves this problem by incorporating a fluid-impermeable guide element, designed to carry gas bubbles, into at least a section of the liquid line. Advantageously, this reliably prevents gas bubbles, particularly Taylor bubbles, from spreading across the entire cross-section of the liquid line and / or causing them to rise. This ensures that any bubbles forming or already present in the liquid line always rise against gravity, while liquid can simultaneously flow past the bubbles in the direction of gravity. In this way, it is always guaranteed that no gas or air bubble remains permanently in any part of the liquid line.This ensures that the fluid line is always filled with liquid up to the drinking opening, guaranteeing that an animal can always access the liquid at the drinking opening. The fluid-impermeable guide element, which is neither permeable to liquid nor gas, thus represents an inhomogeneity in the otherwise regular internal cross-section of the fluid line.

[0019] The liquid line is preferably straight or angled along its entire length and has, for example, lengths between 25 mm and 80 mm. The drinking nipple is preferably cap-shaped. The drinking opening, also referred to as the dispensing opening, has, for example, a diameter of approximately 1.2 mm to 1.6 mm and preferably extends over a length of approximately 2 mm.

[0020] A preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the guiding element is arranged in contact with an inner wall of the liquid line. This offers the advantage that the guiding element creates an inhomogeneity or disturbance in the surface geometry of the otherwise generally smooth inner wall of the liquid line, reliably preventing both the formation and the persistence of Taylor bubbles in one location. This is also achieved by ensuring that a path is always open for the liquid past the bubble, allowing it to flow downwards to the dispensing opening. Thus, the liquid can be dispensed by an animal at any time.

[0021] A preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the guiding element is configured such that the inner surface formed by the inner wall of the fluid line and the guiding element has at least one region of greater curvature compared to the greatest curvature of the inner wall of the fluid line. Particularly preferably, the region of greater curvature has such a large curvature that this curvature is abrupt compared to the greatest curvature of the inner wall. In this way, the smoothness of the overall inner surface is interrupted, since the curvature changes discontinuously. This further counteracts the formation of Taylor bubbles that would otherwise adhere to the surface.

[0022] Gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform sind die Bereiche großer bzw. größerer Krümmung durch Vorsprünge, Ecken oder Kanten gebildet. Auch ist es möglich, dass die Bereiche größerer Krümmung durch Materialerhöhungen auf der Innenseite der Flüssigkeitsleitung gebildet sind, beispielsweise durch Noppen, höckerartige Erhebungen oder dergleichen.

[0023] Another advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the guide element is spirally shaped. This offers the advantage that the spiral shape acts as a guide. Air bubbles are guided upwards against gravity by the helical shape of the spiral guide element. Alternatively, the guide element can be designed as a perforated sheet or in the form of a wire mesh.

[0024] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the clear diameter of the guide element is at least substantially smaller than the inner diameter of the liquid line. This makes it possible to insert and position the guide element within the liquid line. A particular advantage is that conventional drinking nipples can be retrofitted to the advantageous drinking nipples according to the invention in a particularly simple manner by arranging the guide element within the liquid line. This makes it possible to retrofit mass-produced drinking nipples available on the market manually or automatically in large quantities with relatively little manufacturing effort.

[0025] A preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the clear width of the guide element, at least in one retaining section, is selected to be larger than the inner diameter of the liquid line such that the guide element is arranged in the liquid line, supported by its inner wall, in a clamping fit. Advantageously, the guide element is thus self-retaining. This significantly simplifies the manufacture of the drinking caps according to the invention, since the guide element only needs to be inserted into the liquid line and automatically engages in the clamping fit.

[0026] Another advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the guide element length corresponds at least to the length of the liquid line. This ensures that the accumulation of gas or air bubbles is reliably prevented in all areas of the liquid line, thus actively counteracting the formation of Taylor bubbles.

[0027] According to another preferred embodiment, the guide element extends from the drinking opening into the liquid line. Advantageously, this ensures that the area around the drinking opening is always free of bubbles and thus filled with liquid. Only when this area is always filled with liquid is it ensured that liquid can be drawn from the drinking opening. If a gas or air bubble were present in the area of ​​the drinking opening, no liquid would be drawn when an animal licked it in search of liquid. The initiation of liquid withdrawal from the drinking nipple always involves the extraction of a certain amount of liquid by licking the drinking opening, and air flowing into the liquid line to equalize the pressure and allow further liquid to be drawn.Once a Taylor bladder becomes lodged in the area of ​​the drinking opening, it would permanently prevent the possibility of initiating fluid withdrawal.

[0028] Another advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that at least part of the guide element is arranged to project into the drinking opening. This ensures in every case that no gas or air bubbles become trapped directly in the drinking opening.

[0029] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the guide element is wire-shaped. In this way, the guide element can be manufactured simply and cost-effectively.

[0030] Another advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the guiding element consists of a hydrophilic material or is at least coated with one. This offers the advantage of preventing the formation of a distinct interface layer. The use of a hydrophilic material improves wetting with the liquid and thus the transport of the liquid, thereby counteracting the adhesion and persistence of the bubbles in one location. In other words, the bubbles are always detached from the inner surface of the liquid channel.

[0031] A preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the guiding element comprises, consists of, or is coated with a metal or metal alloy. Preferably, stainless steel, for example of type 1.4576, is used. Gold or other precious metals, for example, are used as coating materials.

[0032] According to another preferred embodiment, the drinking nipple is formed in one piece. This offers the advantage that the guide element is bonded to the liquid line. The guide element is thus secured against loss and / or displacement within the liquid line.

[0033] A preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the drinking opening and / or the liquid line is designed without a valve. Advantageously, the drinking nipple according to the invention comprises no moving parts, making it maintenance-free and absolutely reliable in its function. Furthermore, it is simple and inexpensive to manufacture. However, the present invention is also fundamentally suitable for drinking nipples that include a drinking valve, for example, those that comprise a ball valve, i.e., a movable ball located in the liquid line upstream of the drinking opening, which is displaced by the licking motion of an animal to dispense liquid.

[0034] Another advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the drinking opening has a reduced diameter compared to the inner diameter of the liquid tube. This reduced diameter prevents leakage, i.e., the unintentional escape of liquid without an animal licking the drinking opening. Alternatively, however, the diameter of the drinking opening can correspond to the inner diameter of the liquid tube. For example, the diameter of the drinking opening is approximately 1.2 to 1.6 mm.

[0035] Furthermore, the problem is solved by a suitable device comprising a drinking nipple for watering animals and a liquid reservoir with a drinking nipple having the features described above.

[0036] Furthermore, the problem is solved by the aforementioned method for manufacturing a drinking nipple with the aforementioned features by providing a drinking cap comprising an adapter designed for detachable connection to a liquid reservoir and a liquid line opening into a drinking opening designed for liquid intake by an animal, wherein the adapter and the liquid line form a fluid-conducting interior, and the fluid-impermeable guiding element designed for guiding air bubbles is fixedly arranged in at least a section of the liquid line. Advantageously, according to the invention, it is thus possible to convert drinking caps already known from the prior art into the drinking nipple according to the invention with minimal manufacturing effort and at a very low cost.

[0037] Further preferred and / or advantageous features and embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the description. Particularly preferred embodiments are explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a drinking nipple known from the prior art, Fig. 2 a perspective view of a first embodiment of the drinking nipple according to the invention and of the device, Fig. 3 a perspective view of a second embodiment of the drinking nipple according to the invention and of the device, Fig. 4. A schematic representation of a forming Taylor bubble. Fig. 5 a schematic representation of an enlarging and stuck Taylor bubble, Fig. 6 a schematic representation of a Taylor bubble rising in the fluid conduit, Fig. 7 a schematic representation of the drinking nipple according to the invention with a variant embodiment of the guiding element, Fig. 8 a schematic representation of the operating principle of the drinking nipple according to the invention, Fig. 9 a schematic representation of a Taylor bladder filling the entire fluid line and Fig. 10 a schematic representation of the beginning of air flowing in through the drinking opening.

[0038] Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a drinking nipple as known from the prior art. This includes a connector for detachable connection with a - in Fig. 1. The adapter 11 (not shown) is set up in a liquid reservoir 10. The drinking nipple further includes a liquid line 12, which opens into a drinking opening 13. The drinking opening 13 is designed for liquid intake by an animal. The adapter 11 and the liquid line 12 form a fluid-conducting interior 14.

[0039] In Fig. Figure 1 shows gas bubbles 15 schematically. These are intended to illustrate the current ideal conception of the functioning of drinking nipples, drinking devices, or drinking bottles known from the prior art. As already explained at the beginning, it has been assumed that when liquid is drawn through the drinking opening 13, air enters the liquid line 12 through this opening, and several gas bubbles 15 rise in the liquid line 12 against gravity, thus equalizing the pressure in the Fig. 1 not shown - liquid reservoir 10 lead.

[0040] The Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows two embodiments of the device according to the invention for watering animals. The liquid reservoir 10 is shown in each case with a drinking nipple according to the invention. The drinking nipple is detachably arranged on the liquid reservoir 10 by means of its adapter 11, for example by means of a screw or bayonet fitting or a clamp fastening.

[0041] In the Fig. Figures 4 to 6 schematically show the actual behavior of gas bubbles 15 in such drinking nipples. Air entering through the drinking opening 13 forms – as in Fig. Figure 10 shows that there is no bubble behind the drinking opening 13, but rather the tension between the outside atmosphere and the liquid in the liquid tube 12 increases continuously until it is almost explosively breached and a large quantity of air flows into the liquid tube 12. As the air inflow increases, this pressure rises, as shown in Figure 10. Fig. 5 and may rise at least a short distance in the liquid line 12. As explained at the beginning, these gas bubbles 15 form as so-called Taylor bubbles, which remain stationary for long periods of time inside the liquid line 12, until the liquid line 12 partially or completely dries out. In extreme cases, this can lead to – as shown in Fig. Figure 9 shows an example – the entire fluid line 15 runs dry. The consequences of such Taylor bubble formation, including the associated disadvantages, have already been explained in detail at the beginning.

[0042] According to the invention, at least in a section of the liquid line 12, a fluid-impermeable guiding element 16 is provided. The guiding element 16 is thus designed to be impermeable to gases and / or liquids. In particular, the guiding element 16 is configured so that it does not exhibit any capillary action. The guiding element 16 is arranged in the liquid line 12, in particular in a fixed position, i.e., it is fixed both internally and relative to the liquid line 12.

[0043] In Fig. Figure 7 shows the guide element 16 arranged in the liquid line 12 as an example. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the guiding element 16 extends over the entire length of the liquid line 15. However, the present invention is not limited to this exemplary arrangement of the guiding element 16. Rather, the guiding element 16 is alternatively arranged only in a partial section of the liquid line 12. The guiding element 16 is specifically designed to guide the gas bubbles 15.

[0044] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the liquid line 12 is preferably straight over its entire length, such that the guide element length is at least equal to the length of the liquid line 12. It is also possible that the liquid line 12 – as shown in Figure 2 – is straight over its entire length, such that the guide element length is at least equal to the length of the liquid line 12. Fig. 3 shown - is angled. Preferably, these are between 25 mm and 80 mm long.

[0045] Preferably, the guide element 16 is arranged in abutting an inner wall 17 of the fluid line 12. Alternatively, the guide element 16 can also be attached to the inner wall 17 at specific points, for example by a spot weld.

[0046] Preferably, the guiding element 16 is arranged such that the inner surface formed by the inner wall 17 of the liquid line 12 and the guiding element 16 has at least one area of ​​greater curvature compared to the greatest curvature of the inner wall 17 of the liquid line 15.

[0047] The areas of greater or greater curvature are preferably formed by projections, corners, or edges (not shown in the drawing). It is also possible that the areas of greater curvature are formed by material elevations on the inner surface 17 or fluid channel 15, for example, by knobs, bump-like protrusions, or the like (also not shown in the drawing).

[0048] The guide element 16 is also preferred - as in the Fig. 7 and Fig. Figure 8 shows an example – it is spirally shaped. Preferably, the diameter of the spiral is smaller than the diameter of the liquid line 15. According to an alternative embodiment, the guide element 16 is designed as a perforated sheet 18 or in the form of a wire mesh 19, as shown schematically in Figure 8. Fig. Figure 10 shows. Preferably, the hole size of the perforated sheet 18 or the mesh size of the wire mesh 19 is selected such that they do not form a capillary-active guiding structure.

[0049] Preferably, the clear width of the guide element 16 is at least substantially smaller than the inner diameter of the liquid line 15. According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the clear width of the guide element 16 is selected to be larger than the inner diameter of the liquid line 15, at least in a holding section, such that the guide element 16 is arranged in the liquid line 12 in a clamping fit, supported against its inner wall or inner wall 17.

[0050] Preferably, the guide element 16 is arranged extending from the drinking opening 13 into the liquid line 12. According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, at least a part of the guide element 16 is arranged to project into the drinking opening 13.

[0051] As in the Fig. 7 and Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the guiding element 16 is preferably wire-shaped. Advantageously, the guiding element 16 comprises a hydrophilic material or is at least coated with such a material.

[0052] Preferably, the guide element 16 consists of a metal or a metal alloy, or is coated with such a metal or alloy. Preferably, stainless steel, for example of type 1.4576, is used. Gold or other precious metals, for example, are used as coating materials.

[0053] Preferably, the drinking nipple according to the invention is formed in one piece, i.e., the guiding element 16 is materially connected to the liquid line 12 or its inner wall 17.

[0054] Preferably, the drinking opening 13 and / or the liquid line 12 is designed without a valve. However, the present invention is not limited exclusively to such valve-free liquid lines 12, but is also suitable for liquid lines 12 with a valve, for example, a ball valve. As shown in the drawing, the drinking opening 13 preferably has a drinking opening diameter that is reduced compared to the inner diameter of the liquid line 12.

[0055] The present invention also includes the aforementioned method for manufacturing a drinking nipple with the aforementioned features. According to the invention, a drinking cap, i.e., a drinking nipple known from the prior art, is provided for manufacturing the drinking nipple according to the invention, which has an adapter 11 designed for detachable connection to a liquid reservoir 10. The method also consists of arranging the fluid-permeable guide element 16 in a fixed position, at least in a partial section of the liquid line 12.

Claims

[1] Drinking nipple for watering animals, comprising an adapter (11) designed for detachable connection to a liquid reservoir (10) and a liquid conduit (12) opening into a drinking opening (13) designed for the purpose of liquid intake by an animal, wherein the adapter (11) and the fluid line (12) form a fluid-conducting interior (14), characterized by , that at least in a section of the liquid line (12) a fluid-impermeable guiding element (16) designed to guide gas bubbles (15) is fixedly arranged. [2] Drinking nipple according to claim 1, characterized by , that the guiding element (16) is arranged adjacent to an inner wall (17) of the liquid line (12). [3] Drinking nipple according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by, that the guiding element (16) is arranged such that the inner surface formed by the inner wall (17) of the liquid line (12) and the guiding element (16) has at least one area of ​​greater curvature compared to the greatest curvature of the inner wall (17) of the liquid line (12). [4] Drinking nipple according to claim 3, characterized by that the areas of high curvature are formed by protrusions, corners or edges. [5] Drinking nipple according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the guiding element (16) is spirally shaped. [6] Drinking nipple according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the clear width of the guide element (16) is at least substantially smaller than the inner diameter of the liquid line (12). [7] Drinking nipple according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by, that the clear width of the guide element (16) is selected to be larger than the inner diameter of the liquid line (12) at least in a holding section, such that the guide element (16) is arranged in the liquid line (12) in a clamping position with support against its inner wall (17). [8] Drinking nipple according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by that the guide element length is at least equal to the length of the liquid line (12). [9] Drinking nipple according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by , that the guiding element (16) extending from the drinking opening (13) into the liquid line (12). [10] Drinking nipple according to claim 9, characterized by , that at least part of the guiding element (16) is arranged to project into the drinking opening (13). [11] Drinking nipple according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by , that the guide element (16) is wire-shaped. [12] Drinking nipple according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by , that the guiding element (16) is made of a hydrophilic material or is at least coated with such a material. [13] Drinking nipple according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by , that the guiding element (16) is made of a metal or a metal alloy. [14] Drinking nipple according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by that the drinking nipple is formed in one piece. [15] Drinking nipple according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized by , that the drinking opening (13) and / or the liquid line (12) is / are designed without a valve. [16] Drinking nipple according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized by , that the drinking opening (13) has a drinking opening diameter that is reduced compared to the inner diameter of the liquid line (12). [17] Device for watering animals comprising a liquid reservoir (10) with a drinking nipple according to any one of claims 1 to 16. [18] Method for manufacturing a drinking nipple designed for watering animals according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized by Providing a drinking cap comprising an adapter designed for detachable connection with a liquid reservoir (10) and a liquid line (12) opening into a drinking opening (13) designed for liquid withdrawal by an animal, wherein the adapter (11) and the liquid line (12) form a fluid-conducting interior (14), and stationary arrangement of the fluid-impermeable guiding element (16) designed to guide gas bubbles (15) in at least one section of the liquid line (12).

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