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A total of 42,197 records of test-day milk yield (TDY) and 7654 lactations from 3854 individuals belonging to the Spanish Assaf (Assaf.E) breed were analysed using univariate and multivariate models to estimate genetic parameters affecting TDY, total milk yield standardised to 180 days (MY180) and lactation length (LL) in order to asses their possibilities of use in the selection scheme of the Assaf.E population. Estimates of h 2 were, in general, on the lower limit of those usually reported for the three analysed traits. Estimates of heritability for MY180 varied from 0.131 to 0.177. Estimates of h 2 for LL and TDY were consistent regardless the estimation model being of, roughly, 5% and 10%, respectively. The estimates for the permanent environmental effect (c 2 )o f TDY were consistently the same (0.27–0.28) regardless the fitted model whilst they showed large differences for LL and MY180. Genetic correlations were always positive and high ranging from 0.792 for the pair LL-TDY to 0.999 for the pair MY180-TDY. Correlations between permanent environmental effects were even higher ranging from 0.932 for the pair LL-MY180 and 0.999 for the pair MY180-TDY. The advantages of using TDY as selection criterion in the Assaf.E improvement scheme are discussed.

The aim of this analysis is to assess the genetic diversity in the black-coated Asturcon pony population using genealogical and molecular methods in order to ascertain the possible impact of the inclusion of the bay Asturcon individuals on the breed's recovery programme. Pedigree information registered in the studbook of the black-coated Asturcon (including a total of 1080 individuals) was analysed. Additionally, 261 blood samples from the black-coated Asturcon individuals were obtained and genotyped for 15 microsatellites. Furthermore, 58 blood samples were obtained and genotyped from bay Asturcon individuals in order to place the results within the context of an unselected population with no known genealogies. The results indicated high losses of genetic representation of founders in the present population of black-coated Asturcon ponies. Roughly 60% and 30% of the founder stallion and dam lines, respectively, are lost in the present population. Average inbreeding was 4.7%. The equivalent number of founders and equivalent number of ancestors were 18.1 and 13. The most relevant founders and ancestors identified belonged to the three major studs involved in the recovery of the breed. However, the results highlight the dependence of the breed on the management of the government-run Cayon stud, which has increased its genetic contribution to the breed over time from 35.6% to 50.1%. At a molecular level, genetic variability assessed in the black-coated Asturcon was lower than that observed in the bay Asturcon. Expected heterozygosity, .F.IS(m) and rarefacted average number of alleles per locus were 0.755 and 0.828, 4.1% and 1.3%, and 9.5 and 9.2, respectively, for the black-coated and bay Asturcon. The expected molecular coancestry in the black-coated Asturcon base population (E.f0) took a value of 0.229, which was near to the molecular coancestry computed in the bay Asturcon (0.231). Implications of the reported results in the recovery programme of the Asturcon pony breed are discussed.

The aim of this paper was to estimate direct and maternal genetic parameters for calving ease (CE), birth weight (BrW), weaning weight (WW), and calving interval (CI) to assess the possibility of including this information in beef cattle improvement programs. Field data, including a total of 59,813 animals (1,390 sires and 1,147 maternal grand sires) from the Asturiana de los Valles beef cattle breed, were analyzed with a multivariate linear model. Estimates of heritability for direct genetic effects (CED, CID, BrWD, and WWD) were 0.191 +/- 0.019, 0.121 +/- 0.013, 0.390 +/- 0.030, and 0.453 +/- 0.035, respectively, whereas those for maternal genetic effects (CEM, BrWM, and WWM) were 0.140 +/- 0.015, 0.208 +/- 0.020, and 0.138 +/- 0.022, respectively. Genetic correlations between direct or maternal genetic effects across traits were, in general, positive and moderate to low. However, genetic correlation for the pair CED-BrWD was positive and high (0.604 +/- 0.064). Genetic correlations between the direct and maternal genetic effects within a trait were negative and moderate (-0.219 +/- 0.097 for CE, -0.337 +/- 0.080 for BrW, and -0.440 +/- 0.102 for WW). Genetic correlations for CED-BrWM and CED-WWM were -0.121 +/- 0.090 and -0.097 +/- 0.113, respectively. The genetic correlation for CEM-CID was unfavorable (0.485 +/- 0.078), and those for CEM-BrWD (-0.094 +/- 0.079) and CEM-WWD (-0.125 +/- 0.082) were low and negative. The genetic correlation between CID and WWM was favorable (-0.148 +/- 0.106). Overall, the data presented here support the hypothesis that maternal effects for CE and BrW are not the same and that the genetic relationships between CI and maternal effects for WW in beef cattle follow a similar pattern to that reported between CI and milk yield in dairy cattle. Moreover, the need to include direct and maternal breeding values in beef cattle selection programs is suggested.

To estimate seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) among 15-49 years old Mexicans living in households and to describe the profile of seroreactive individuals.Cross-sectional study implemented in 2012 using a national probabilistic sample with behavioral data from face-to-face interviews at households and HCV antibodies screening using capillary blood from same individuals.HCV seroprevalence in Mexico was estimated at 0.27% (IC95% 0.12-0.60), representing 161 000 persons. Seroprevalence was significantly higher among males (0.45% CI95% 0.01-0.89) than females (0.10% CI95% 0.00-0.22). Multivariate analysis suggests a higher possibility of HCV reactivity among men, increasing with age and higher among those sexually active, and lower for higher socioeconomic level.HCV seroprevalence in Mexico by 2012 seems significantly lower than the estimation from 2000 of 1.2% for the same age-group. Evidence of infection among individuals 15-19 years old suggests the need to strength preventive actions, particularly in subjects with risky behaviors.

[EN] Data from seven generations of a divergent selection experiment designed for environmental variability of birth weight were analysed to estimate genetic parameters and to explore signs of selection response. A total of 10 783 birth weight records from 638 females and 1127 litters in combination with 10 007 pedigree records were used. Each record of birth weight was assigned to the mother of the pup in a heteroscedastic model, and after seven generations of selection, evidence of success in the selection process was shown. A Bayesian analysis showed that success of the selection process started from the first generation for birth weight and from the second generation for its environmental variability. Genetic parameters were estimated across generations. However, only from the third generation onwards were the records useful to consider the results to be reliable. The results showed a consistent positive and low genetic correlation between the birth weight trait and its environmental variability, which could allow an independent selection process. This study has demonstrated that the genetic control of the birth weight environmental variability is possible in mice. Nevertheless, before the results are applied directly in farm animals, it would be worth confirming any other implications on other important traits, such as robustness, longevity and welfare., This manuscript was partially funded by a grant from the Spanish Government (AGL2008-00794). The experiment will be continued with partial funding of Feed-agene and a grant from MEC- INIA (RTA2014- 00015-C02-01)

Objetivo. Obtener información sobre la tasa de uso del condón y otros comportamientos y características relacionados con el riesgo de adquirir infecciones de transmisión sexual en trabajadoras sexuales (TS) de ocho ciudades del Ecuador. Este estudio presenta resultados de una encuesta realizada con TS en ocho ciudades del Ecuador. Material y métodos. Se trata de un estudio transversal en el que se aplicó un cuestionario de comportamientos, actitudes y características socioeconómicas y demográficas a una muestra de TS en las ocho ciudades del Ecuador que concentran a la mayor parte de la población del país y padecen la mayor problemática en relación con el VIH. Resultados. Se obtuvo información de un total de 2 867 TS, la mayor parte de ellas en sus lugares de trabajo. El mayor porcentaje de las TS entrevistadas realizaba sus actividades en sitios dedicados al comercio sexual. La edad media de las entrevistadas fue de 28 años (IC95% 27-29) y alrededor de la mitad vivía con parejas masculinas (ya sea casadas o en unión libre). La tasa de uso del condón con el último cliente fue de 88% (82% de forma consistente); en cambio, con las parejas regulares fue de 6%. Un alto índice de habilidades para la vida, mayor nivel socioeconómico y contar con permiso para trabajar se relacionaron de forma positiva con el uso del condón con clientes (RP= 1.40; IC95% 1.40-1.40; RP= 1.37; IC95% 1.36-1.37; y RP= 7.26; IC95% 6.87-7.46, respectivamente). Conclusiones. Si bien el uso del condón de las TS ecuatorianas con clientes es elevado, disminuye si se analiza su consistencia y es sumamente bajo cuando se trata de parejas regulares. La utilización del condón, por otra parte, parece relacionarse con variables sobre las cuales es posible realizar intervenciones para modificarlas, como las habilidades para la vida y el permiso oficial para realizar el trabajo sexual. En ese sentido, es importante realizar intervenciones específicas que incrementen el uso consistente del condón en esta población.

Although a number of recent studies have focused on the existence of a non-negligible sirecontemporary group interaction effect (s) affecting the estimation of genetic parameters for maternally influenced traits in beef cattle, the assessment and interpretation of this effect using field data remains poorly understood. In this study 27,639 records of both birth weight (BW) and weaning weight (WW) from the Asturiana de los Valles breed were used to assess the consequences of the inclusion of an s effect on the estimation of genetic parameters for BW, WW and average daily gain (ADG) fitting univariate and bivariate models. Estimations of s 2 for BW, WW and ADG were 0.040, 0.070 and 0.077 regardless of the fitted model. Inclusion of s in the estimation models induced a reduction of both the direct and the maternal heritability, varying between 8 and 28% with the trait and the estimation model employed. As expected, the correlations between both direct and maternal genetic effects for each trait were less negative when s was included in the estimation model. The estimated correlations between the s effect affecting BW, WW and ADG were 0.108, 0.038 and 0.616 for the pairs BW–WW, BW–ADG and WW–ADG, respectively. These results suggest that misidentification of individuals cannot be the sole cause of the effect of s and that this effect is of a different nature and origin for different traits (i.e. selective matings for low BW’s and unaccounted management practices for preweaning growth traits). Models including the s effect should be accepted as working models in beef improvement schemes. D 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The aim of this work was to analyse the genetic parameters affecting days open (DO) in beef cattle to evaluate its potential as criterion of selection. The present study characterises DO as a trait with considerable genetic variability, relative to that usually found for reproduction traits, especially for heifers and second calving cows. The estimates of heritability for the trait ranged from 0.091 for cows with 10 or more calvings to 0.197 for second calving cows. The genetic correlations estimated for DO in different parities are situated between 0.9 and 1, showing that the genes affecting the trait are substantially the same across parities of the dam. A substantial permanent environment (around 9%) seems to affect DO performance. Permanent environmental factors seem to be especially important in younger cows. Genetic correlation between DO and calving interval was positive and very high (1.0), while those between DO and gestation length and calving date were negative from low to moderate (−0.089 and −0.308, respectively). DO can be used in improvement programs of beef cattle as an early indicator of reproductive performance of the cow.

The objective was to obtain information on sex behaviour of a large sample of men who have sex with men (MSM) in India that would assist in planning HIV prevention. Homosexual/bisexual behaviour of 6661 MSM at 62 urban–rural locations of various sizes in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh was assessed through detailed interview. Multivariate analyses were performed to understand the associations with unprotected penetrative sex and barriers to condom use assessed. The average number of different male sex partners in past 4 weeks was six. In last three sex encounters with men totalling 19 640 anal sex occurred in 16 769 at least once by 6121 (91.9%) MSM of which 3423 [55.9%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 51.7–60.1%] did not use condom at least once. A total of 2785 (41.8%) were currently married to women and 3354 (50.4%) had had vaginal/anal sex with women in the past 3 months of which 2818 (84%; 95% CI 81.1–86.9%) did not use a condom. Furthermore 1585 (25.9%; 95% CI 22.7–29.1%) had anal sex without a condom with men and also vaginal/anal sex without a condom with women. This was prevalent across urban–rural locations and its strongest association was with currently married MSM (odds ratio 15.1; 95% CI 12.5–18.2). The predominant reason for not using a condom with women was ‘do not use with regular partner’ (68.4%). This high rate of unprotected penetrative sex by MSM with both men and women suggests that HIV prevention efforts in India should include a focus on MSM as well as their wives across many urban–rural locations and not only in large cities. (authors)

Recent studies have proposed the use of molecular coancestry coefficients as a measure of genetic variability and as a useful tool for conservation purposes. Using simulated data, molecular coancestry has been shown to become constant very quickly after separation of populations, leading to population diversity remaining constant. However, the use of molecular coancestry information to study the genetic relationships between breeds has not yet been widely explored. Here we analyze the polymorphism of 14 microsatellites in 222 unrelated individuals belonging to seven native Spanish breeds to ascertain the usefulness of molecular coancestry-based methodologies in providing information on their genetic relationships. Average kinship distance (Dk) and average molecular coancestry coefficients (fij) were compared with well-known genetic distances, such as between-breed Reynolds’ distance (DR), Nei’s standard distance (Ds), and shared allele distance (DAS). Kinship distance and fij have moderate to low correlations with the other genetic distances, showing that they provide different information: both Dk and fij account for the allele frequencies in the founder population, whereas DR, Ds, and DAS characterize the shortterm evolution of the populations. Furthermore, Dk and fij were only moderately correlated (−0.500). The present study used field data to confirm previous research pointing out the ability of molecular coancestry coefficients to assess genetic differentiation of an ancestral origin. In this respect, molecular coancestry-based parameters may be used with classical genetic parameters to obtain information on population dynamics in livestock breeds. This study additionally presents reliable evidence on the history of these sheep breeds.

Although many research papers have studied diversity and differentiation within livestock species, genetic relationships among neighboring populations remain poorly understood. Here we apply recent methodologies to analyze the polymorphism of 14 micro-satellites in 238 unrelated individuals belonging to six sheep breeds from Northern Spain to ascertain their historical relationships and the relative genetic contributions existing between populations. Individual genotypes were analyzed to assess the existence of an underlying genetic structure. Long-term and recent migration rates were estimated to identify patterns of relative genetic contribution among breeds. The complete data set showed a strong population structure derived from both different ancestral origins and some geographical patterns of recent gene flow. Two of the analyzed breeds (Black-faced Latxa and Churra) had a marked genetic background, supporting the hypothesis that, regardless of their phenotypical similarities, they have different ancestral origins. Some of the more presumably related breeds had negative long-term admixture coefficients, showing that they diverged only recently. In addition, we show how methodologies for estimation of long-term gene flow and recent patterns of migration are complementary, providing information about migration rates on different timescales.

As funding mechanisms like the Global Fund for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria increasingly make funding decisions on the basis of burden of disease estimates and financial need calculations, the importance of reliable and comparable estimating methods is growing. This paper presents a model for estimating HIV/AIDS health care resource needs in low- and middle-income countries. The model presented was the basis for the United Nations' call for US dollars 9.2 billion to address HIV/AIDS in developing countries by 2005 with US dollars 4.4 billion to address HIV/AIDS health care and the rest to deal with HIV/AIDS prevention. The model has since been updated and extended to produce estimates for 2007. This paper details the methods and assumptions used to estimate HIV/AIDS health care financial needs and it discusses the limitations and data needs for this model.

ResumenEn este trabajo se describen las iniciativas de conservación de la oveja de raza Xalda de Asturias. Es una oveja de pequeño tamaño, y de color predominantemente negro que presenta gran similitud morfológica con otras razas ovinas del Arco Atlántico Europeo como la Ouessant o la Morite. En 1992 se funda la asociación de criadores de la raza (ACOXA) y comienza el funcionamiento del Libro Genealógico. Durante la última década la actividad de ACOXA ha estado centrada en la recuperación de individuos aislados fomentando su cría en raza pura. Se ha realizado un análisis de la información genealógica contenida en el Libro Genealógico detectándose el excesivo uso de algunos reproductores que puede provocar una pérdida de variabilidad genética en la población. A partir de estos resultados parece necesario llevar a cabo estrategias de apareamientos que aseguren el mantenimiento del patrimonio genético de la raza.

a ´´ SERIDA-CENSYRA-Somio, C/Camino de los Claveles 604, E-33203 Gijon, Asturias, Spain b ´ Abstract The aim of this paper is to assess the suitability of including calf survival traits in the breeding objective of beef cattle improvement programs. To do so, we analysed the genetic parameters affecting calf survival during the perinatal period (PS), between the perinatal period and weaning (LM) and at weaning (WS) using Asturiana de los Valles breed field data. Up to 36 125 calf survival records were used in the analysis. Heritabilities estimated for the direct effect ranged from 0.033 to 0.084 for PS, from 0.011 to 0.112 for LM and from 0.039 to 0.142 for WS. Our results suggest that LM is not affected by a maternal genetic component, whereas its effect is slight and similar in magnitude for both PS and WS. In general, the analysed traits are affected by a slight maternal permanent environmental effect ranging from 1 to 2%. PS and WS seem to be consistently determined by the same genes, presenting genetic correlations between the respective direct or maternal genetic effects of 0.95 and 1.0. Genetic correlation between the direct effects affecting PS and LM was 0.745. Current analyses show that WS has a higher genetic variability than would justify the inclusion of calf survival at weaning in the beef cattle breeding objective.  2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

In this paper the genetic relationships between major reproductive traits in beef cattle (Calving Date, Calving Interval and Age at First Calving) and type traits have been estimated to evaluate the usefulness of type classification in predicting reproductive performance in beef cattle. We estimated favourable genetic correlations between Calving Interval and type traits ranging from −0.027 to −0.297. However, type traits and Calving Date appear to be genetically independent and the genetic relationships between Age at First Calving and type traits are, in general, non-favourable. Genetic correlations between type traits and Calving Date ranged from 0.0 to –0.125. Genetic correlations between Age at First Calving and Final Score, Body Depth and Tight Development were, respectively, 0.399, 0.445 and 0.447. Our results suggest that the possibility of using type classification to construct an index to improve reproductive performance is little. The more reliable possibility to build a possible selection index comprising type classification and reproductive performance would be based on Age at First Calving. Type classification at first calving could help to increase the information to select dams to stay on the farm in subsequent calvings on the basis of their expected performance.

Ten type traits and a final score were analysed in 5868 records of the Asturiana de los Valles beef cattle breed. Traits were grouped into two classes: (i) traits scoring skeletal and muscular development and (ii) traits scoring adjustment to the breed standard. Heritabilities were moderate to low, ranging from 0.04 to 0.26. Genetic correlations among traits were, in general, in the same direction as, but higher than, phenotypic correlations. The genetic variability shown, in general, for the analysed traits would justify the inclusion of morphological assessment in the Asturiana de los Valles beef cattle breed sire selection programme. Main characteristics of the current type classification system are criticized. The knowledge of (co)variances among type and economically important productive and reproductive traits is recommended before revision of the classification methodology. Schatzung genetischer Parameter fur Exterieurmerkmale in der Asturiana de los Valles Fleischrinderrasse 5868 registrierte Asturiana de los Valles Tiere wurden bezuglich 10 Exterieurmerkmalen und eines Gesamtwertes auf der Basis einer gewichteten Berucksichtigung dieser Einzelmerkmale untersucht. Die Merkmale wurden in zwei Klassen unterteilt: (i) Merkmale, die Skelett- und Muskelentwicklung betreffen und (ii) rassespezifische Merkmale. Die Heritabilitaten lagen zwischen 0,04 und 0,26. Genetische Korrelationen zwischen den Merkmalen waren allgemein mit den phanotypischen Korrelationen gleichgerichtet, aber mit hoheren Werten. Die aufgezeigte genetische Variabilitat der untersuchten Merkmale wurde deren Eingliederung in die morphologische Bewertung im Rahmen des Asturiana de los Valles Fleischrinder Selektionsprogrammes fur Bullen rechtfertigen. Wichtige Charakteristika der gegenwartigen Exterieurbeurteilung werden kritisiert. Es wird empfohlen erst (Ko-)varianzen zwischen Exterieur und okonomisch wichtigen Produktions- und Reproduktionsmerkmalen zu ermitteln, bevor die Bewertungsmethodik uberarbeitet wird.

To develop a socioeconomic index for brief surveys that allows a classification in relation to a reference population with a parsimonious approach.A socioeconomic index was created using assets and use of services indicators to predict income level within a national representative survey of income (ENIGH, National Survey of Households Income and Expenditures) and then tested with data from a survey among key populations (men who have sex with men/transvestite, transgender, transsexual/female sex workers) and compared to an already published indicator.The concordance for quintiles 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 between the two indexes were 94, 94, 82, 83, and 89%, respectively. The Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was 0.85.The proposed parsimonious index captures the socioeconomic level heterogeneity in the MSM/TTT/FSW survey. The use of this index is suggested for short surveys because of the next advantages: a) it uses dichotomic variables; b) the variables used do not imply the fulfillment of any statistical assumption; c) it is easily calculated; d) it can be used for comparing groups.

The ERCP procedure requires the use of fluoroscopy with the subsequent exposure to ionizing radiation. The doses received by patients, physicians and assistants in the endoscopy have never been recorded in our area. This analysis describes the findings of the MIRED_Uy study (measuring radiation in digestive endoscopy in Uruguay). Objective. To determine radiation exposure received by patients, physicians and assistants during ERCP.Data were collected from 33 procedures conducted by four endoscopists, supported by endoscopy assistants. All staff took basic radiation-protection measures. The magnitudes measured were the kerma area product (KAP) for the patient and the effective dose (E) and the equivalent doses in hand (HM) and lens of the eyes (HC) for the operators.Mean value for PKA was 24 Gy.cm2 (range: 0.04-71) equivalent to 312 chest x-rays. The mean fluoroscopy time was 2.3 minutes (range: 0.45 a 5.70 minutes). The E mean per procedure was 3.69, 5.14 y 3.69 muSv, for physician, first and second assistant respectively. The dose in hand for the physician was 19.4 muSv and the dose in lens was 7.94 muSv.The first results of measuring ERCP radiation doses in Uruguay are presented These procedures expose the patient and staff to measurable radiation doses, which should be taken into account to minimize their risks.

Heritability was estimated for four reproductive traits in the Asturiana de los Valles breed in order to evaluate the possibility of include this information in the breed's current improvement program. The estimations were done using an animal model except for calving ease score. For this last trait, a threshold model under a sire model was fitted, with the sire effect as the only random effect in the model besides the residual. Estimated heritabilities for calving interval age at first calving, gestation length, as dam traits, and calving ease were 0.12, 0.27, 0.15 and 0.42, respectively. The estimated heritability for calving interval and age at first calving could justify a sire selection program in the Asturiana de los Valles breed taking account their female offsprings' reproductive characteristics. Heritability estimates for gestation length and calving ease suggested a close genetic relationship of these two traits and birth weight. Further research is needed to estimate the genetic (co)variances between these three traits to allow the use of this information in a breed improvement program to reduce dystocia without affecting preweaning growth traits.

Geneticists are faced with various problems when managing small natural populations (e.g. high inbreeding, loss of economic value). We propose here the man- agement of a small population through the example of the Asturcon (a Celtic pony population) by examining two sources of information: a studbook created in 1981 and the polymorphism of ten microsatellite markers chosen according to the recommenda- tions of ISAG (International Society of Animal Genetics). This information allows us to estimate several genetic parameters useful in assessing the genetic situation of the population in order to propose conservation strategies. Results show the reliability of molecular information in populations where no studbook exists. Overall inbreeding value (F) and fixation index (FIT) are moderate (F = 0.027; FIT = 0.056), effective number of founders is small (n = 22), and the population is divided into three dis- tinct groups (F = 0.078; P < 0.001). The molecular heterozygosity (H = 71.2 %) computed in a random sample gives an accurate vision of the real inbreeding. These parameters and the application of the concept of average relatedness allow us to rec- ommend to the breeders the choice of the best matings to control the inbreeding level while maintaining a low paternity error rate. © Inra/Elsevier, Paris

A strong, global commitment to expanded prevention programs targeted at sexual transmission and transmission among injecting drug users, started now, could avert 28 million new HIV infections between 2005 and 2015. This figure is more than half of the new infections that might otherwise occur during that period in 125 low- and middle-income countries. Although preventing these new infections would require investing about U.S.$122 billion over this period, it would reduce future needs for treatment and care. Our analysis suggests that it will cost about U.S.$3900 to prevent each new infection, but that this will produce a savings of U.S.$4700 in forgone treatment and care costs. Thus, greater spending on prevention now would not only prevent more than half the new infections that would occur from 2005 to 2015 but would actually produce a net financial saving as future costs for treatment and care are averted.

Nowadays, the fibre diameter (FD) is considered the main selection objective in alpaca populations all over the world. International Committee for Animal Recording recommendations define the FD and its CV as the first two traits to be considered in breeding programmes for this specie. In addition to these main criteria, other selection criteria of economic value used are comfort factor (CF) or standard deviation (s.d.); also other less important traits being used as selection objectives are these morphological traits: density (DE), crimp (CR) or lock structure (LS) for, respectively, Huacaya (HU) and Suri (SU) ecotypes, head (HE), coverage (CO) and balance (BA). The goal of this study was to establish how to implement a combined selection index starting from genetic parameters and to study the expected correlation between genetic trends by considering different alternative procedures of weighting all the involved traits, and the consequences of a wrongly proceeding way. Heritabilities and genetic and phenotypic correlations were estimated from the data set belonging to the PACOMARCA experimental farm for SU and HU. Two approaches were used to check the consequences of a set of subjective weights essayed. The coefficients of selection indexes were obtained for two sets of reference weights. In addition, equivalent weights were drawn if applied those reference values as coefficients of hypothetical selection indexes directly on phenotypes; relative expected genetic responses were computed in different cases. Results showed that almost in all cases for both ecotypes, the weight applied to CF should be surprisingly negative. Concerning genetic responses, only CO was compromised in some cases for the HU ecotype. The essayed methodology allowed explaining the differences between ecotypes in the genetic trends. The proposed methodology was shown to be effective to study the relative importance of the traits granted by the manager of a breeding scheme.

Functional conformation and performance in Classic and Menorca Dressage are the main selection criteria in the Menorca Horse breeding program. Menorca Dressage is an alternative Classical Dressage discipline which is exclusive of the Menorca Island, but including a series of movements that the animals perform in the traditional festivities called “Jaleo Menorquín”. One of these movements involves the horse raising its forelimbs and standing or walking on its hindlimbs, which is called “el bot”. To make the Menorca horse breed more competitive in the equestrian market, it is necessary to understand the genetic background that characterizes the aptitude for Menorca Dressage and its relationship with conformation traits. The analysed data consisted of 15 conformation traits from 347 Menorca horses (200 males and 147 females), with 1,550 performance records in Menorca Dressage competitions. Genetic parameters were estimated using linear and threshold animal models. The heritabilities for heights and lengths were high (0.45-0.76), those for angulations and binary conformation traits were low to moderate (0.10-0.36) as were the scores for dressage performance (0.13-0.21). The results suggest that the analyzed traits could be used as an efficient tool for selecting breeding horses. Functional conformation and performance in Classic and Menorca Dressage are the main selection criteria in the Menorca Horse breeding program. Menorca Dressage is an alternative Classical Dressage discipline which is exclusive of the Menorca Island, but including a series of movements that the animals perform in the traditional festivities called “Jaleo Menorquín”. One of these movements involves the horse raising its forelimbs and standing or walking on its hindlimbs, which is called “el bot”. To make the Menorca horse breed more competitive in the equestrian market, it is necessary to understand the genetic background that characterizes the aptitude for Menorca Dressage and its relationship with conformation traits. The analysed data consisted of 15 conformation traits from 347 Menorca Horses (200 males and 147 females), with 1,550 performance records in Menorca Dressage competitions. Genetic parameters were estimated using linear and threshold animal models. The heritabilities for heights and lengths were high (0.45-0.76), those for angulations and binary conformation traits were low to moderate (0.10-0.36) as were the scores for dressage performance (0.13-0.21). The genetic correlations between the analyzed conformation and performance traits were null to high, ranging between -0.51 to 0.54, although they showed a high standard deviations of their marginal posterior distribution. The results suggested that shoulder angle and hindlimb traits may be the most important characteristics for horse ability in dressage, thus suitable for indirect selection especially for Menorca movements

Summary The most popular use of the Pura Raza Espa~ nol horse in sport is for dressage competitions. Tests on young sport horses were first established in 2004 in Spain to collect data for the genetic evaluation of this breed’s suitability for dressage. The aim of this study was to compare eight different models to find out the most appropriate way to include the rider in the genetic evaluation of dressage. A progressive removal of systematic effects from model was also analysed. A total of 8867 performance records collected between 2004 and 2011 from 1234 horses aged between 4 and 6 years old were used. The final score in the dressage test was used as the performance trait. The pedigree matrix contained 8487 individuals. A BLUP animal model was applied using a Bayesian approach with TM software. The horse’s age, gender, travelling time, training level, stud of birth and event were included as systematic effects in all the models. Apart from the animal and residual effects that were present in all models, different models were compared combining random effects such as the rider, match (i.e. rider–horse interaction) and permanent environmental effects. A cross-validation approach was used to evaluate the models’ prediction ability. The best model included the permanent environmental, rider and match random effects. As far as systematic effects are concerned, the event or the stud of birth was essential effects needed to fit the data.

Background Effective access measures are intended to reflect progress toward universal health coverage. This study proposes an operative approach to measuring effective access: in addition to the lack of financial protection, the willingness to make out-of-pocket payments for health care signifies a lack of effective access to pre-paid services. Methods Using data from a nationally representative health survey in Mexico, effective access at the individual level was determined by combining financial protection and effective utilization of pre-paid health services as required. The measure of effective access was estimated overall, by sex, by socioeconomic level, and by federal state for 2006 and 2012. Results In 2012, 48.49% of the Mexican population had no effective access to health services. Though this represents an improvement since 2006, when 65.9% lacked effective access, it still constitutes a major challenge for the health system. Effective access in Mexico presents significant heterogeneity in terms of federal state and socioeconomic level. Conclusions Measuring effective access will contribute to better target strategies toward universal health coverage. The analysis presented here highlights a need to improve quality, availability, and opportuneness (location and time) of health services provision in Mexico.

To estimate the HIV seroprevalence among Mexicans aged 15 to 49 years old and living in households, and to describe the profile of serorreactive individuals.Cross-sectional study with a national probabilistic sample of individuals aged 15 to 49 years with behavioral data from direct interview (face-to-face) at households and HIV screening using capillary blood collected from the same individuals.A seroprevalence of 0.15% (95%CI 0.09-0.21) was estimated for Mexicans aged 15 to 49; seroprevalence among women was 0.07% (95%CI 0.03-0.11) and 0.24% (95%CI 0.11-0.36) for men. HIV serorreactive population is composed of younger men, with a higher socioeconomic level compared to the general population, and with a higher insurance coverage-social protection on health in general and social security in particular. Only 50% of the serorreactive individuals may be aware of their status as living with HIV.The estimated HIV seroprevalence in the NHNS 2012 suggests a stable pattern since 2000. The estimated prevalence among individuals 15 to 49 years was adjusted both for selection bias correction and to include MSM estimations (under the assumption that MSM is a population hard to reach in a household survey), resulting in a total seroprevalence of 0.23% and an estimated number of people with HIV of 140,000.

Con la asistencia de mas de 15 mil delegados de 160 paises de todos los rincones del globo, durante la semana del 11 al 16 de julio se llevo a cabo la XV Conferencia Internacional de SIDA, en Bangkok, la capital de Tailandia, y lugar de una de las primeras historias de exito en el combate a la epidemia. La conferencia de Bangkok ocurre en un contexto cada vez mas dominado por la urgente necesidad de incrementar el acceso a los medicamentos (antirretrovirales) a todos aquellos que los necesitan. Los datos presentados en la conferencia por el Programa Conjunto de las Naciones Unidas para VIH/SIDA (ONUSIDA), senalan que para finales de 2003 habia en el mundo cerca de 38 millones de personas que viven con el virus, la inmensa mayoria de ellos en paises de ingresos bajos y medios. En esta tonica, el lema de la Conferencia, “Acceso para todos” (Access for all), fue un reflejo de esta preocupacion, y fue mas alla al discutirse la necesidad de incrementar el acceso tambien a intervenciones de prevencion y a mecanismos que permitan paliar los efectos de la epidemia mas alla de la salud...

To estimate the magnitude of diabetes in Mexico, as well as discuss alternative policies to face it appropriately.Descriptive analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Survey 2012, using reported information on previous diagnosis of diabetes from adults and adolescents.From all adults 20 years and older in Mexico, 9.17% has been diagnosed with diabetes, presenting an important geographical heterogeneity, ranging from 5.6% in the southern state of Chiapas, to 12.3% in Mexico City. Of all people with diabetes, 46.95% also have been diagnosed with hypertension, 4.47% has had a stroke, and 54.46%, reported family background of diabetes. Regarding adolescents, 0.68% has been already diagnosed with diabetes.The burden of diabetes in Mexico and the fact that is a preventable condition, calls to strengthen the health sector strategies to face it. The negative effect it has on the quality of life makes diabetes a priority for the health sector.

Objetivo. Investigar la existencia de sesgo en la estimación de las prevalencias de consumo alguna vez en la vida de alcohol, tabaco y drogas ilegales e inhalables, para luego proponer una corrección al mismo, si existiera. Material y métodos. Se analizaron las Encuestas Nacionales de Adicciones (ENA) 2002, 2008 y 2011 para comparar esti- maciones de parámetros poblacionales sobre el consumo alguna vez en la vida de tabaco, alcohol y drogas ilegales e inhalables. Se desarrollaron dos métodos para corregir el sesgo. Resultados. Las prevalencias nacionales estimadas de consumo alguna vez de alcohol y tabaco de la ENA 2008 no son plausibles. En contraste, no se encontró evidencia que apoyara un subregistro o sobrerregistro del consumo alguna vez de drogas ilegales e inhalables. Se obtuvieron nuevas estimaciones de las prevalencias de consumo alguna vez de alcohol y tabaco; las nuevas estimaciones resultaron ser plausibles al contrastarse con otras fuentes de informa- ción disponibles. Conclusiones. Los nuevos análisis sobre alcohol y tabaco que se realicen deberán usar los factores de expansión corregidos de la ENA 2008 para poder incorporar las nuevas estimaciones de consumo alguna vez de alcohol y tabaco obtenidas en este trabajo.

Objetivo. Analizar la situación socioeconómica, de salud y acceso a servicios en población indígena de México, en 2006 y 2012. Material y métodos. Análisis comparativo entre población indígena y no indígena, a partir de información sociodemográfica y de salud de la ENSANUT 2006 y 2012. Se estimaron diferencias de proporciones o medias al comparar indígenas/no indígenas para cada año y entre 2006 y 2012. Resultados. Del total de la población indígena de México, 60% se ubica en el nivel socioeconómico más bajo. El Seguro Popular incrementó su cobertura de 14 a 61.9% en población indígena en comparación con la no indígena (de 10 a 35.7%). Sin embargo, no se observan cambios en utilización de servicios ambulatorios de salud (de 7.1 a 6.4%). La atención hospitalaria del parto en indígenas aumentó (de 63.8 a 76.4%) y persiste diferencia con no indígenas (93.9%). Conclusiones. Incrementar la cobertura del Seguro Popular presenta resultados heterogéneos en utilización de servicios de salud, mientras que el Programa Oportunidades no incide en mejoría de condición socioeconómica de población indígena.

Objetivo. Describir el diseño y cobertura de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición 2012 (ENSANUT 2012). Material y métodos. Se presenta el diseño de la ENSANUT 2012, una encuesta poblacional probabilística con esquema de muestreo polietápico y estratificado, las capacidades inferenciales de la muestra, los aspectos logísticos de la misma y la cobertura alcanzada en campo. Resultados. La tasa de repuesta para hogar de la ENSANUT 2012 fue de 87%, con un total de 50 528 hogares con entrevista completa efectiva. En estos hogares, se obtuvieron un total de 96 031 entrevistas individuales completas, más 14 104 entrevistas completas de usuarios ambulatorios de los servicios de salud. Conclusión. El diseño probabilístico de la ENSANUT 2012 y la cobertura alcanzada permiten realizar inferencias sobre condiciones de salud y nutrición, cobertura de programas y acceso de la población a los servicios de salud. Al tratarse de un diseño complejo, es necesario que las estimaciones que se realicen a partir de la ENSANUT 2012 consideren el diseño muestral de la encuesta: factores de ponderación, unidades primarias de muestro y variables de estratificación.

Objetivo.Analizar la cobertura actual de protección en salud en México, su tendencia desde el año 2000 hasta 2012, y el perfil de la población sin protección. Material y métodos. Análisis descriptivo del reporte del informante del hogar sobre protección en salud en las encuestas nacionales de salud 2000, 2006 y 2012. Resultados. Entre los años 2000 y 2012, la población mexicana sin protección en salud pasó de 57.6 a 21.4%. Esta reducción está dada principalmente por el crecimiento del Sistema de Protección Social en Salud, que se ha constituido en el principal asegurador en México, que ha cubierto a 38.5% de la población. La población sin cobertura se concentra entre los 15 y 30 años de edad. Conclusión. Los resultados muestran avances muy importantes respecto al incremento de la cobertura de salud. Sin embargo, resaltan también la complejidad de alcanzar el aseguramiento universal en un sistema fragmentado.

Resumen: Objetivo: Describir el marco conceptual, metodologia de implementacion y analisis de la Encuesta de Satisfaccion de Usuarios del Sistema de Proteccion Social en Salud de Mexico. Material y metodos: Se analizan los elementos metodologicos de los estudios de 2013, 2014 y 2015, incluyendo el instrumento utilizado, el muestreo y el diseno del estudio, el modelo conceptual, las caracteristicas y los indicadores del analisis. Resultados: La encuesta captura informacion sobre calidad percibida y satisfaccion. El muestreo tiene representacion nacional y estatal. Se construyen y describen indicadores simples y compuestos (indice de satisfaccion y porcentaje de problemas de calidad reportados). El analisis se completa mediante diagramas de Pareto, correlacion entre indicadores y asociacion con la satisfaccion mediante modelos multivariados. Conclusiones: La medicion de satisfaccion y calidad percibida es un proceso complejo pero necesario para cumplir con la normativa y para identificar estrategias de mejora. La encuesta descrita presenta diseno y analisis rigurosos enfocados en su utilidad para mejorar.

RESUMENEl objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la estructura genética de la población de llamas, del Banco de Germoplasma de Quimsachata Estación Experimental Illpa-Puno del Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria, durante el año 2015[h1] [h2] . Se analizó el archivo de pedigrí de 4698 animales nacidos en el periodo 1993 al 2014, de los cuales 2075 fueron machos y 2623 hembras[h3] . Para el cálculo de los coeficientes individuales de consanguinidad (F), coeficiente de relación media (AR), tamaño efectivo de la población (Ne), de fundadores (fe) de ancestros (fa), intervalo generacional (IG) y la profundidad de pedigrí se ha utilizado el programa ENDOG v.4.8. Los resultados para coeficiente de consanguinidad media y el promedio de relación media de la población de llamas fueron 0.11 y 0.25% respectivamente. Del total de 906 ancestros que dieron origen a la población de referencia, 102 explican el 50% de la variabilidad genética de la población. El número efectivo de fundadores fue 508 y de ancestros 284. El intervalo generacional medio fue 5.65 años, siendo mayor en las vías gaméticas padre-hijo y padre-hija. Para el grado de profundidad de pedigrí fueron identificados 65.88% de animales con información sobre los padres y 83.95% sobre las madres. El tamaño efectivo de la población fue de 281.81, este valor está por encima del valor crítico. En conclusión la consanguinidad en la población de llamas del banco de germoplasma fue de pequeña magnitud y que las prácticas de apareamiento fueron adecuadas durante el periodo evaluado. ABSTRACTThe objective of the study was to describe the genetic structure of the population of llama’s gene bank National Institute of Innovation Agrarian INIA-Puno. The pedigree file of 4698 animals born in the period 1993 to 2014, of which 2075 were males and 2623 females were analyzed. For the calculation of individual coefficients of inbreeding (F), coefficient average ratio (AR), effective population size (Ne), of founders (fe) of ancestors (fa), generation interval (IG) and depth of pedigree has been used ENDOG v.4.8 program. The results for inbreeding coefficient average and average mean ratio of the population were 0.11 and 0.25 flames% respectively. Of the total of 906 ancestors that gave rise to the reference population, 102 account for 50% of the genetic variability of the population. The effective number of founders and ancestors was 508 284. The average generation interval was 5.65 years, being higher in the gametic roads father-son and father-daughter. For the degree of depth of pedigree they were identified 65.88% of animals with information about parents and 83.95% on mothers. The effective size of the population was 281.81, this value is above the critical value. In conclusion inbreeding in the population of llamas gene bank was small in magnitude and mating practices were adequate during the period evaluated.

To analyze socioeconomic, health conditions and access to health services of Mexican indigenous population between 2006 and 2012.A comparative analysis was done between indigenous and non indigenous population, using the information from th National Health and Nutrition Survey (2006 and 2012).60% of the indigenous population was allocated at the poorest socioeconomic level in 2012 despite the implementation of social programs. The Seguro Popular increased its coverage from 14 to 61.9% in indigenous population. The increase observed in coverage in no indigenous population was from 10 to 35.7%. Nevertheless, no increase was observed in the utilization of healthcare services between indigenous and non indigenous population. The access to hospital services for childbirth delivery increased from 63.8 to 76.4% in indigenous population. However there is an important difference with non indigenous population (93.9%).The increase in the coverage of the Seguro Popular in Mexico has had heterogeneous results in the utilization of health care services. Other social programs such a Oportunidades have not had an impact to alleviate poverty in indigenous groups.

Compare two indirect methods for measuring adherence to antiretrovirals (ARV) for people living with HIV (PLWHA) in México.Sectional study of direct interviews with patients selected from a representative sample of PLWHA care units in México. We estimated in 2,054 patients the adherence of four days as the measurement used traditionally in México and the adherence index as a measurement that is reported more correlated with biological measurements. For the latter, use was made of all items on the questionnaire AIDS Clinical Group (ACTG) (adherence rate, monitoring the schedule and special instructions, and time since the last time you stopped taking ARV). In both cases, was considered adequate adhesion values ≥ 95%.The adherence of four days identifies 13.2% (n = 271) of patients with levels less than the recommended (8.3% of 56-94% and 4.9% of 0- 55%) according to the index, the percentage of patients with lower levels of adherence to recommended was 45.0% (n = 924) (40.5% of 56-94%, 4.5% of 0-55%).The estimate of adherence of 4 days may be underestimating significantly the adherence problem in PLWHA in Mexico, according to the comparison with the calculated value. Considering the values reported by the index, it is necessary to strengthen strategies to promote adherence to treatment and that a high percentage of patients has levels of adherence that jeopardize the effectiveness of treatment.

To describe the socioeconomic (SE) indicator developed for the analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Survey 2012 (NHNS 2012) and its validation.The SE indicator was generated imputing deciles of income level to the households on the NHNS 2012, using demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, and based on the National Income and Expenditure Survey 2010. As a validation, distribution of different household characteristics related to SE status was described by predicted decile.The resulting SE indicator adequately describes heterogeneity on standard socioeconomic variables, as schooling years of the head of household, income, access to services, and household assets.The socioeconomic heterogeneity captured by the proposed SE indicator allows identifying variability and gaps on health outcomes and programs coverage related to socioeconomic level.

To analyze the coverage of health protection in Mexico, as well as its trends from 2000 to 2012.Descriptive analysis using household informant report about health protection in the national health surveys 2000, 20062012, profiling unprotected population in 2012, and demographic differences by scheme of health protection.From 2000 to 2012, Mexican population that reported to be without health protection decreased from 57.6 to 21.4%. This reduction is mainly due to the increase in coverage of Seguro Popular, which by 2012 is the main insurer in Mexico, covering 38.5 of the population. Unprotected population is concentrated between 15 and 30 years of age.These results present a huge increase in health protection in Mexico in the past 12 years. Nevertheless, they also highlight the complexity of reaching universal health protection in a fragmented health system.

Background. During the 2009 spring epidemic outbreak in Mexico, an important research and policy question faced was related to the differences in clinical profile and population characteristics of those affected by the new H1N1 virus compared with the seasonal virus. Methods and Findings. Data from clinical files from all influenza A deaths in Mexico between April 10 and July 13, 2009 were analyzed to describe differences in clinical and socioeconomic profile between H1N1 and non-H1N1 cases. A total of 324 influenza A mortality cases were studied of which 239 presented rt-PCR confirmation for H1N1 virus and 85 for seasonal influenza A. From the differences of means and multivariate logistic regression, it was found that H1N1 deaths occurred in younger and less educated people, and among those who engage in activities where there is increased contact with other unknown persons (OR 4.52, 95% CI 1.56–13.14). Clinical symptoms were similar except for dyspnea, headache, and chest pain that were less frequently found among H1N1 cases. Conclusions. Findings suggest that age, education, and occupation are factors that may be useful to identify risk for H1N1 among influenza cases, and also that patients with early dyspnea, headache, and chest pain are more likely to be non-H1N1 cases.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) are a major public health issue worldwide. Despite of that, there is lack of data on their magnitude particularly in developing countries. Previous studies have shown that female sex workers (FSW) and men who have sex with man (MSM) are population groups with an average number of sexual partners higher than the general population. Because of this, and because their partners are from different groups in the population, FSW and MSM are key for STIs transmission dynamics. In this study, we provide an overview on STI among MSM and FSW from two developing countries: Ecuador and India. We present syphilis and herpes simplex virus type 2 sero-prevalence and trends during a 4 year period, in two high-level vulnerable groups from two countries with very different economies, cultural and social norms. According to our results, there is an important presence of both STIs among these population groups, each one affecting to a different extent each one of the groups. The results show a reduction of syphilis and herpes sero-prevalence among these high-risk population groups in India, whereas an important STI increase was reported in Ecuador during the same time period. The information provided in this research has a meaningful impact in terms of STI and HIV prevention.

A Moroccan Houbara Bustard pedigree was analyzed to evaluate the genetic variability in captive breeding population using genealogical approaches. The whole Houbara breeding flock (WP) for the period 1993-2004 was made up of 531 birds comprising 346 females and 185 males. The reference population (RP) comprised 198 individuals ready for reproduction from 2000 to 2004 cohorts. The corresponding percentage of known ancestors was estimated as 98.23% for the parent generation, 41.19% for the grandparent generation and 7.00% for the great grandparents generation. The average generation interval for Houbara was computed as 4.64 years. Genetic variability loss per generation was ascertained using the effective population size (Ne), the founder genome equivalent (fge), the effective number of ancestors and founders (fa) and (fe), respectively, for the RP and across each cohort. The results showed no bottleneck events in the breed but some loss of genetic variability just after the initiation of the conservation program. However, the annual effective population size based on the realized increase in inbreeding (ΔF) was estimated to be 207 for the RP and 1,000 for the WP. With regard to conservation breeding schemes, the genealogical evidence presented here is very useful as it revealed the positive effect of migration on Houbara breeding. The mating strategies will assist in the future control and management of the genetic variability of this population.

[EN] Genetic trends for weight traits and their environmental variability were analysed in an experimental mice population selected during 17 generations to increase weight gain by comparing three selection methods: classic selection with random mating (Method A), classic weighted selection with random mating (Method B) and classic selection with minimum coancestry mating (Method C). Males were selected based on their own phenotypic records for WG. The analysis involved three traits: weight at 21 days (W21), weight at 42 days (W42) and weight gain between 21 and 42 days (WG). Genetic trends were obtained by averaging, within generations, the breeding values obtained for the traits and their environmental variability under a classical animal model assuming that the environmental variance is homogeneous and an alternative model assuming the heterogeneous environmental variance is partly under genetic control. All the genetic trends were positive for the traits and negative for their environmental variability but the trend in phenotypic variances was steady showing that the model analysing the environmental variability failed to separate correctly the genetic from the systematic effects under an artificial selection scenario. The higher additive genetic variance estimated under the heterogeneity model led to higher genetic trends when this model was used, thus changing the order of the preferred methods of selection moving Method B form intermediate to be the worst. The results also showed that correlated changes in the variability of weight gain and related traits originated as a consequence of selection process in the trait, but these changes do not seem to be unfavourable for the animals since the scale effect tends to compensate the correlated reduction in variability of these traits., This paper was partially funded by a Grant from the Spanish Government (AGL2008-00794).

Summary - Data from 2 Asturiana breeds' herdbooks were analysed to study their genetic structure. Herds were assigned to 3 levels by the use of herd sires. Generation intervals averaged 5.3 (Casina) and 5.4 (Carrenana) yr, and for both breeds sires were significantly younger than dams. Determination of the important herds shows the contribution of Caso county (60%) to the total herd appearance of the Casina breed. The overall mean Wright's inbreeding coefficients were 1.2 and 0.2% and the increases of inbreeding level per generation were 0.7 and 0.24% for Casina and Carrenana, respectively. Those low values of inbreeding increase can be partially explained by a relatively low centralization reflecting a high degree of diversity.

Summary Two models for estimating genetic parameters in animal populations were compared. The cheapest, in terms of computing costs, was based on a sire model and the most expensive on an animal model. In order to check the accuracy of both methods they were applied to the best available sample of Spanish Friesian cattle. Milk production of each cow, as well as fat contents were simulated using prior estimates of genetic additive, permanent environment and residual variances, keeping the actual mating scheme, so that the simulation mimicked the actual population structure. Results, under the above premises, show no advantages of the more costly procedure over the cheaper one, suggesting that a sire model based estimating procedure for genetic parameters may be preferred when a small number of individuals, little pedigree information and highly disequilibrated distribution of effects characterize the data. Zusammenfassung Vergleich zweier Methoden der Varianzkomponentenschatzung beim Spanischen Holstein Zwei Modelle zur Schatzung von genetischen Parametern wurden verglichen. Das im Hinblick auf die Rechenleistung gunstigere Modell war ein Vatermodell, das aufwendigere Modell ein Tiermodell. Um die Genauigkeit der Modelle in der Praxis zu prufen, wurden sie auf verfugbares Material der spanischen Holstein-Friesian Population angewendet. Sowohl die Milchleistung jeder Kuh als auch der Fettgehalt wurden simuliert mit Hilfe von Schat- zwerten der additiv-genetischen Varianz, der permanenten und der residuellen Umweltvarianz. Dabei wurde das tatsachliche Ungleichgewicht in der Population berucksichtigt. Unter den obengenannten Voraussetzungen zeigen die Ergebnisse keinen Vorteil der rechnerisch aufwendigeren Prozedur gegenaber der einfacheren. Die Schlusfolgerung lautet, das das Vatermodell unter den Bedingungen der kleinen Tierzahlen, wenig Pedigree-Informationen und einer stark unbalan- cierten Verteilung der Tiere auf die einzelnen Effektklassen zu bevorzugen ist.