Patent ID: 7758884

Claim:
A method for preparing a formulation for increasing the bioavailability of carotenoids in poultry, comprising the steps of: (a) adding to a reaction vessel a source of a non-saponified carotenoid selected from the group consisting of lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, trans-capsanthin, capsorubin and the carotenoid derivatives from lycopene; (b) adding to the reaction vessel a solvent, and optionally a chelating agent and an antioxidant, to form a composition; (c) mixing the composition to substantial homogeneity; (d) adding an alkali solution to the composition under mixing; (e) incubating the composition at elevated temperature for a time sufficient to saponify the carotenoid; and (f) adding vegetable oil and a surfactant to the saponified composition under mixing to form an emulsion.