Abstract: Embedded thermochromic pigments address problems associated with determining whether an electrically heated mat is operating properly. At least a portion of the mat, or an attachment, includes a thermochromic pigment, such that when the mat is properly activated, the entire mat, or a region of the mat, changes color, hue or intensity, giving a visual indication as to heating status. The thermochromic pigment may change the color at a predetermined temperature associated with animal husbandry such as 80 Deg. F in conjunction with a farrowing application. One or both of the upper and lower layers of the mat may be constructed of plastic such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and the thermochromic pigment may be added to the plastic prior to molding the mat. Alternatively, the thermochromic pigment may be contained in a label or patch affixed to the mat material through a mold labeling process.