We use a CPA Firm which has several accountants there--if one CPA dies, our records are still managed by the others...lol. They provide us with over 30 pages of detailed year records to back up our 1040 Tax Return--for under $750 a year.
We keep extensive records on everything, including calculated (approx.) costs on each animal from the day we get it. We calculate all direct and indirect costs fo our operation with a reference point of a 1000# A.U. per month. Also, have a computerized invoicing system, etc. I feel if you are in business then run it like a business...not records scribbled on the back of a grocery bag with a kid's crayon!
We also have a business plan ("Mission Statement" and outline of our operation and facilities--about 15 pages or so).
It doesn't cost anymore to run your business in a professional manner, creating an efficient professional image. A business is judged by its efficiency, quality of paperwork, promptness of processing transfers & registrations, etc. to the new customer. Run your business in a sloppy manner and it will eventuallay catch up with you and bite you in the butt.
If you can't do (or stand to do) the proper paperwork, advertising, marketing, record-keeping stuff--well, hire someone that will do it for you! I'm talking here abut image, efficiency, CYA, customer relations, IRS records, customer satisfaction, etc.
"If you don't know where you've been, and don't know where you're are now, then there is no way in Hades that you will ever figure out where you're going!"