Abstract: The present invention relates to a microemulsion base that is capable of functioning as a self-emulsifying microemulsion base and does not require the addition of water or an aqueous phase. The compositions of the present invention can be directly applied to saponified pigments to form a stable microemulsion with improved pigment absorption. Another aspect of the present invention relates to the process for creating stable microemulsions with improved pigment absorption. Another aspect of the present invention relates to methods of using stable microemulsions to deliver pigments or carotenoids to animals to impart preferred attributes to animals. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a two-in-one microemulsion system with enhanced delivery, solubility and absorption of a pigment or carotenoid.

Abstract: The absorption and deposition of carotenoids added to poultry diets into the yolk of eggs produced by the poultry is improved by adding a carotenoid formulation comprising a carotenoid, a vegetable oil, a surfactant, a chelating agent, an antioxidant, an alkali and a solvent. The carotenoid formulation can reduce the crystalline nature of lutein for its better dissolution in the formulation and the diet. This new formulation is capable of making more micelles for an effective transfer of lutein from the formulations to the aqueous layer. The new formulation can increase the bioavailability of lutein in chicken biological system and leads to more deposition in the blood and the egg. The lutein deposition in the egg was consistent for an extended period of time when this new formulation was added to the diet. Addition of this carotenoid formulation to the diet increased the antioxidant power of the blood. Eggs produced by poultry fed diets supplemented by the formulation have in excess of 0.