The Freestall Self-Lock Headgate is becoming widely adopted as a feeding and restraint front in stanchion-type dairy systems. The gate (or grouping of gates) is designed to hold the animal(s) during feeding or to make a health check, breeding, vaccination, etc. both easier and safer. The dairyman has the option for the animals to self-lock themselves or allow them free access. When done eating, one lever releases the entire row; or an individual animal can be restrained while the rest are released by flipping the lever atop that particular gate. Most models allow the gates to be joined together in any number desired, and all provide for adjusting of the neck opening to accommodate various size animals.