[R-sig-ME] Is a mixed-effects model equivalent to an animal model in which all animals were founders?

[Manuel Ramón Fernández]

My question is if it will be equivalent an animal model with all 
individuals being considered founders to a mixed-effects model without 
considering the A relationship matrix. In the animal model, if all 
individuals were founders the A matrix will be a identity matrix, so I 
think that both models could be equivalent, but I am not sure.

The purpose of this question is to make use of some specific programs 
(developed to estimated variance components) to run some mixed-effects 
models without considering the relationships among individuals.

Thank you.