ABSORPTION OF FAT-SOLUBLE NUTRIENTS

1 . A method of preparing a feed composition, comprising (a) mixing one or more carotenoids and one or more phospholipids in an organic solvent to form a solution; and (b) thereafter combining the carotenoid(s) and phospholipid(s) with at least one other animal feed component;

wherein the organic solvent is a polar solvent selected from the group consisting of chlorocarbons and lower alcohols, and wherein step (a) further comprises removing the polar solvent from the solution.

2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the one or more phospholipids comprise lecithin.

3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the one or more phospholipids comprise a plant lecithin.

4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the one or more phospholipids comprise an egg yolk lecithin.

5 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the one or more phospholipids comprise one or more phospholipid-rich extracts from animal(s) or animal byproduct(s).

6 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the one or more phospholipids comprise one or more phospholipid-rich extracts from fish or fish byproduct(s).

7 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the one or more phospholipids comprise one or more phospholipid-rich extracts from microbial source(s).

8 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the one or more phospholipids comprise phosphatidyl choline.

9 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the one or more phospholipids comprise phosphatidyl serine.

10 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the one or more phospholipids comprise phosphatidyl ethanolamine.

11 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the one or more phospholipids comprise phosphatidyl inositol.