Cattle Heartrate Monitors

Accurate, non-invasive monitoring of livestock vitals is an emerging frontier in precision agriculture—and at Pips 'n Chicks, we’re taking steps to be part of that future. As part of an Instrumentation and Data Acquisition course, we developed a functioning prototype of a wearable cattle heart rate monitor, using basic sensors and custom-built software. The initial system successfully captured real-time heart rate data using a photoresistor-based pulse sensor combined with an NI DAQ 9219 interface and LabVIEW for signal processing and display.

This early version proved proof-of-concept: we could collect usable heart rate signals through the ear, process them in real time, and output BPM values with reasonable consistency. We designed a custom LabVIEW virtual instrument (VI) to handle waveform filtering, noise reduction, and pulse detection, along with a user interface for live monitoring and data logging.

Building on that success, we’re now working to expand the project into a Bluetooth-enabled, field-deployable system. The next iteration focuses on improving both accuracy and usability—shifting from tethered DAQ systems to compact, wireless modules that can be clipped onto an animal’s ear tag or collar. We're integrating microcontrollers and onboard filtering to handle signal processing locally, reducing noise from movement and environmental factors that impact traditional optical sensors.

Key upgrades in development include:

• Wireless communication (Bluetooth Low Energy) for real-time data transmission to mobile devices or farm networks

• Improved sensor housing for better skin contact and durability in livestock environments

• Battery efficiency and low-power design for multi-day use in the field

• Future integration with temperature and activity sensors for broader herd health insights

The long-term vision is a lightweight, cost-effective, and scalable system that can assist with herd monitoring, early disease detection, and welfare tracking—especially in educational, research, and small-farm settings where commercial systems may be cost-prohibitive or overbuilt.

This project is part of our broader mission to develop real tools for real farmers—designed with firsthand understanding of livestock handling and the practical challenges of rural technology adoption.