Early detection of health issues in sows is critical to reducing mortality, controlling disease spread, and improving herd welfare. Traditional monitoring methods are labor-intensive, often ineffective in early-stage detection, and can stress animals during handling. This study introduces a non-invasive ear-cuff heart rate monitor designed for daily use during farmers’ routine checks, enabling real-time, stress-free monitoring.

A prototype device was developed featuring a waterproof compact housing with an adjustable hypoallergenic strap positioned at the sow’s ear base. A photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor detects blood volume changes, and a NodeMCU microcontroller processes the data to trigger RGB LED indicators—blue for low (<70 bpm), green for normal (70–120 bpm), and red for high (>120 bpm). Intended for daily use during farmers’ routine checks, the system allows real-time monitoring without restraining the animal, reducing stress and enabling timely interventions. A purposive survey of 30 pig farmers from Cebu City and Province was conducted using structured questionnaires covering demographics, farm practices, monitoring challenges, and technology adoption attitudes. The findings show 76.67% consider traditional methods ineffective, 46.67% cite inadequate technology, 93.33% express strong interest in the device, and 90% are willing to join pilot testing. The proposed ear-cuff heart rate monitor provides a potential solution that is cost-effective, user-friendly, and non-invasive for integrating heart rate monitoring into the farmer's daily routines, supporting earlier interventions and improved swine health outcomes.