What can be a consequence of excessive somatic cells in milk?

Excessive somatic cells in milk can lead to decreased milk quality. Somatic cells, which include white blood cells, are indicators of the health of the mammary gland. A high somatic cell count often suggests that the cow may be suffering from an infection, such as mastitis. This condition not only impacts the cow's health but also affects the milk's composition and safety for consumption. High levels of somatic cells can result in changes to the milk’s flavor, nutritional content, and overall quality, making it less desirable for consumers and processors alike.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately reflect the implications of high somatic cell counts. Increased market value would be unlikely since consumers often reject milk with high somatic cell counts due to concerns over quality. Improved flavor is also not a characteristic associated with high somatic cell levels; in fact, milk from cows with elevated somatic cell counts can have off-flavors. Decreased milk yield is plausible but not a direct consequence of high somatic cell counts—the primary issue is the impact on milk quality. Therefore, the most significant concern is the decline in milk quality associated with excessive somatic cells.