Flat, shield-like pieces of plastic or plywood that direct pigs into an enclosure are known as ______.

The correct term for flat, shield-like pieces of plastic or plywood that direct pigs into an enclosure is hurdles. Hurdles are specifically designed to guide livestock by providing a clear path and maintaining a barrier that encourages animals to move in the desired direction without causing them stress or confusion. They are often used in handling practices, especially in farming environments where controlling the movement of animals is crucial for both the safety of the animals and the handlers.

Barriers, fences, and channels serve different functions. Barriers typically refer to structures that prevent passage rather than guiding movement. Fences enclose areas but do not provide the same directional assistance as hurdles. Channels are more associated with defined pathways but may not necessarily have the flat, shield-like structure characteristic of hurdles. Understanding the specific role of hurdles in livestock handling is key in veterinary technology and animal husbandry practices.