- Refrigerated Incubation (10–60 minutes): Incubating sperm in the refrigerator prior to time on liquid nitrogen for 10 to 60 minutes improves survival rates. While the difference between 10 and 60 minutes is slight, there is a significant increase in survival when comparing 10 minutes of incubation to none at all.
- Time on liquid nitrogen (10–30 minutes): This step involves placing the samples on a floater (Nidacon CrypFloater) for 10 to 30 minutes. Survival rates remain consistent throughout this period, so the choice depends on your workflow. If opting for the full 30 minutes, ensure that sufficient liquid nitrogen (LN2) is available to maintain optimal conditions.