Which of the following represents a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO)?

A Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) is defined primarily based on the number of animals being confined and the extent of their forcible feeding in a particular area. CAFOs are typically categorized by specific thresholds established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and vary depending on the type of livestock.

The option representing 700 dairy cows is particularly significant because it far exceeds the thresholds established for CAFO classification for dairy operations. In Pennsylvania, a dairy operation with more than 700 mature dairy cows is classified as a CAFO, emphasizing the intensity of animal confinement and feeding practices.

Understanding CAFOs is essential because they are subject to specific regulatory requirements regarding waste management and environmental impacts. The maximum number of animal units (AUs) for CAFO classification can differ based on the type of livestock. For instance, there are specific guidelines for how many pigs or chickens would lead to a CAFO classification, but the presence of 700 dairy cows directly meets and clearly represents the threshold needed for CAFO designation.

In the context of the other choices, they do not meet the CAFO threshold for their respective categories. Therefore, option B stands out as the direct reflection of what constitutes a CAFO in Pennsylvania.