Abstract: The present invention provides an industrial scale process for obtaining lutein and zeaxanthin concentrates of high purity from saponified marigold extracts that may have high levels of chlorophyll.

Abstract: A saponified marigold extract having a zeaxanthin content between about 20% to 80% of the total xantophylls, as well as a formulation and a method of dosing, comprising incorporating about 10 to 55 ppm. of the saponified marigold xantophylls having a zeaxanthin content of about 20% to 80% in the bird feed or beverage, for the pigmentation of the broiler skin and yolk egg, to impart them the right hue as the market requires.

Abstract: A process to obtain a product having a high content of zeaxanthin, lutein or mixtures thereof, as short chain organic acid diesters of zeaxanthin, lutein or mixtures thereof, that can be used mainly for the pigmentation of broilers and egg yolks, as well as an intermediate in the cantaxanthin(.beta.,.beta.-Carotene-4,4'-dione) and astaxanthin(3,3'-Dihidroxy .beta.,.beta.-carotene,4,4'-dione) synthesis, by reacting extracts obtained from marigold (Tagetes Erecta L.), or plant extracts that contain lutein, zeaxanthin or mixtures thereof in any proportion, with acetic or propionic anhydride under controlled conditions of temperature and pressure.

Abstract: A process to obtain a product with a high zeaxanthin content, to be used mainly as an ingredient in poultry feed to enhance the pigmentation of broiler chickens and egg yolk, by reacting at a controlled temperature and pressure, marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) meal or its oleoresin, or formulations containing lutein, with strongly alkaline aqueous solutions under controlled conditions, to isomerize the luteine into zeaxanthin in a product with a higher pigmenting activity.