  We study SU(3)-breaking effects in the neutral B_d-\bar B_d and B_s-\bar B_s
systems with unquenched N_f=2+1 lattice QCD. We calculate the relevant matrix
elements on the MILC collaboration's gauge configurations with asqtad-improved
staggered sea quarks. For the valence light-quarks (u, d, and s) we use the
asqtad action, while for b quarks we use the Fermilab action. We obtain
\xi=f_{B_s}\sqrt{B_{B_s}}/f_{B_d}\sqrt{B_{B_d}}=1.268+-0.063. We also present
results for the ratio of bag parameters B_{B_s}/B_{B_d} and the ratio of CKM
matrix elements |V_{td}|/|V_{ts}|. Although we focus on the calculation of \xi,
the strategy and techniques described here will be employed in future extended
studies of the B mixing parameters \Delta M_{d,s} and \Delta\Gamma_{d,s} in the
Standard Model and beyond.
